1 dead, 28 injured as roof of Belvidere's Apollo Theater collapses in storm

[icymist]

Source: WGN9

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — One person was killed and 28 injured at the Apollo Theater on Friday after a roof collapsed on concertgoers as a powerful storm and high winds swept through the area. The heavy metal band Morbid Angel was scheduled to perform.

Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle said in addition to the one person killed, five were taken to the hospital for severe injuries, eighteen with moderate injuries, and five with minor injuries.

Event coordinators said approximately 260 people were in the venue at the time of the collapse. Authorities said, by 10:15 p.m., no one was unaccounted for.

Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker tweeted: “My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight. I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can. As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.”

Read more: https://wgntv.com/news/illinois/first-responders-called-to-belvideres-apollo-theater-on-reports-of-collapsed-roof-due-to-powerful-storm/

[murielm99]

1. They had a terrible tornado there in 1967.

It hit near the high school just as school was getting out. Students were boarding the busses. There were many killed and injured.

On edit: Thank you, DU. I fell asleep early and missed this story. I am not that far from Belvidere and this story hits home with me.

[dalton99a]

2. .

[Initech]

3. Who the fuck thought it was a good idea to have a concert when there were severe weather warnings?

Like what the actual fuck???

[OldBaldy1701E]

4. They did.

[Warpy]

5. Have you ever lived in the midwest?

Those severe weather alerts happen frequently. People don't cower in shelters unless the sirens go off, signifying a tornado in their area. The severe weather alerts just tell people to listen for the sirens if the worst happens.