The Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, reported a roof collapse on Friday night, March 31, during a concert.
One person was killed in the collapse, officials confirmed. Another 28 were injured.
What We Know So Far
As per CBS reports, the roof collapse was recorded when heavy storms with 90 mph wind gusts passed through.
The concert, which kicked off around 7:00, included performances by Skeletal Remains, Morbid Angel, and Revocation.
The massive bowstring truss roof and the marquee were both shown to have fallen in the scene’s video circulating throughout the internet. Moreover, bricks too can be seen lying amid the streets.
Twenty ambulances were requested, according to a source with the Chicago Fire Department.
The number of casualties is still unknown. The proscenium’s front ceiling fell within the theatre, exposing the area to the outside. The audience was probably gathered in front of the stage at that time, alarmed by the ongoing chaos.
The witnesses
A Twitter user shared a video of what looked to be people trying to save victims from a central floor rubble pile.
Gabrielle Lewellyn, a concertgoer, told media that she had only been inside the venue briefly before the storm struck and the roof fell. She said that there were several victims buried beneath the debris.
Morbid Angel’s Facebook page announced the show’s cancellation amid the raging storm at around 8:52.
The Apollo is located at 104 North State Street, on the northern edge of the Belvidere Business District. The Apollo Theatre opened for business in 1921 as a theatre for stage performances, films, and vaudeville. The Apollo Theatre has also served as a live music venue for the past few years.
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