Investigation of Fatal Indiana Stage Collapse Causing Controversy

The tragic collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair raises many questions as investigations begin.

2011-08-25

August 25, 2011 (Press-News.org) The state of Indiana is still recovering from the tragic stage collapse that caused the death of five people and seriously injured over 40 others. More than anything people want answers as to how such a terrible accident could occur.

The collapse happened at the Indiana State Fair last Saturday before the band Sugarland was set to perform before about 12,000 fans. Unexpected 60-70 mph winds were initially blamed for the fatal concert stage collapse, although investigations have been ongoing.

Concerns About Independence

Earlier this week questions were raised, however, as to who was conducting necessary investigations. The Washington Post reported that aside from one engineering firm hired by the state fair, the state was essentially only allowing state bodies and agencies to investigate the accident.

Those responsible for the investigation included the state police, the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state fair officials. Since the state is also responsible for the fair where the accident occurred, there was concern that the investigation would not be independent and unbiased.

In response to these concerns, Governor Mitch Daniel's office recently announced the hiring of an outside firm to conduct the formal investigation. Witt Associates, a company run by the former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), James Lee Witt, will be responsible for the investigation. The firm will report on state fair procedures and how fair officials handled critical decisions.

Factors Potentially Contributing to the Stage Collapse and Resulting Fatalities

Questions have been raised if fair officials appropriately responded to changing and volatile weather conditions. Only 10 minutes before the collapse a severe thunderstorm warning went out for Marion County. Fans at the concert were told they could seek shelter in permanent buildings, and that the show might be postponed. After only a few minutes had passed, the stage collapsed onto the crowd below, causing serious and fatal injuries to spectators.

Critics are questioning why fair officials did not cancel the show earlier. A concert by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Conner Prairie was canceled even though the storm was not as close to that venue.

Others are questioning the structural soundness of the grandstand's roof. An investigation by Fox59 revealed that a key piece in the center of the stage's roof called the center plug had blown loose in moderate winds earlier in the week. The piece was reattached, but investigators may question whether the reattachment impacted how the roof responded to the high power winds before the collapse.

Much time will probably pass before Indiana residents receive the answers they desire about why the tragic concert stage collapse occurred. In the meantime our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

The tragic collapse of a concert stage at the Indiana State Fair raises many questions as investigations begin.

Article provided by Doehrman Chamberlain
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