Thunderstorms Rock Cheap Trick Concert

July 18, 2011; 11:31 AM
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"The band had been playing only moments before the collapse..."


Three people were injured at a Cheap Trick concert in Ottawa, Canada, when a thunderstorm caused a stage to collapse.

A severe thunderstorm packing winds in excess of 50 mph roared across the Bluefest field. The wind lifted a canopy covering the stage and pushed it backwards causing the whole stage to collapse in a matter of minutes, according to Cbc.ca.

The band had been playing only moments before the collapse but left the stage 20 minutes into the show when lightning was seen in the area.

Paramedics responded quickly to the scene. Three Bluefest volunteers who were on the stage at the time of the collapse were injured, according to Cfra.com. A 46-year-old man was taken to the hospital with injuries to his abdomen, pelvis and upper leg.

One volunteer suffered an injury to his chest and the other to his neck. A total of 10 people were evaluated for injuries.

The crowd sought shelter in a nearby museum and was later told to evacuate the parking garage.

Cheap Trick posted on their web page that none of the band or crew were injured.

The organizers of the Ottawa Bluefest are expected to face questions related to the collapse. A news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT Monday

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