Sara Bareilles Issues Statement About Indiana State Fair Accident

Robbie Daw | August 15, 2011 8:45 am

“King Of Anything” singer Sara Bareilles, who performed as Sugarland’s opener at the ill-fated Indiana State Fair on Saturday, has issued a statement following the disastrous accident that involved stage scaffolding and lighting falling into the audience as a storm developed. Catch her official words on the tragic event below. The New York Times reports that five concert-goers were killed and dozens were left with injuries as the stage Bareilles had performed on — and Sugarland had yet to set foot on — collapsed into the audience. The rigging collapsed at 8:49 p.m., apparently just minutes before Sugarland were to begin their set.

Reports and video posted online indicate that gravel and sand whipped through the air as a storm kicked up in the pitch-black sky.

Below is Sara Bareilles’ statement, as posted by Entertainment Weekly‘s Music Mix:

“The weather changed in a matter of minutes and the stage collapsed in a matter of seconds. We are shocked and saddened by this horribly tragic circumstance and we are all praying for those affected. The emergency response was incredibly speedy and the people of Indiana as well as the crews from the show were beyond brave and working hard to help each other. My heart aches for the lives lost or injured as well as their families. We will do whatever we possibly can to help heal the hurt from this very sad day.”

The New York Times reports that the fair reopened today following its closure yesterday because of the accident.