INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- (WISH) -- Indiana State Police confirmed a fifth person has died following Saturday night’s stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.
Governor Mitch Daniels addressed the media Sunday morning describing what took place Saturday as a “freakish accident.”
“We saw the best qualities of both public and Private Hoosiers,” the governor said, “Individual Hoosiers ran to the trouble, not from the trouble offering their skills.”
Daniels said he was overwhelmed by the compassion Hoosiers showed as they rushed to rescue the injured.
| Tragedy at the Fairgrounds |
The fair’s executive director, Cindy Hoye, announced the Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the State Fire Marshal’s office are conducting investigations into the accident.
One of the biggest questions about the tragedy surrounds the series of events as fans were warned of the impending severe weather and the process the fair uses to determine when to cancel concerts and evacuate patrons.
The fairgrounds are closed to the general public Sunday but the fair will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Hoye said.
A public remembrance for the victims will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at the fairgrounds.
State Police say there are several cars that were left behind by those who were taken to Indianapolis hospitals by ambulance. Sergeant Dave Bursten instructed those wishing to pick up their cars use Gate 3 or Gate 16.
Fairgoers were waiting for the start of the Sugarland concert when a gust of wind toppled the canopy over the stage. Sugarland released a statement Sunday saying the band is "stunned and heartbroken for the fans and their families in Indiana. We hold those injured in our prayers at this very sad time. There are no words. It is tragic."
The band cancelled its Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair.
Family members tell 24-Hour News 8 the fifth person to die following the tragedy was Nate Byrd .They described the 51-year-old as a stage hand who was running a spotlight above the stage when it collapsed.
State police have identified the four people who died at the scene as Tammy Vandam, 42 of Wanatah, Ind; Glenn Goodrich, 49 of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23 of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Christiana Santiago, 29 of Chicago.
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