47. Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse, USA
Built: 2011
Collapsed: 2011
Est. Damages: $100,000-$500,000*
The Indiana State Fair collapse is another tragedy that can be blamed on strong thunderstorms. The collapse took place in 2011 right before a Sugarland concert. A wind gust from a severe thunderstorm hit the temporary stage’s roof, causing it to collapse. People had not sought shelter yet, as it hadn’t begun to rain.
Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse, USA @dsutherland53 / Pinterest.com
The roof landed on a crowd of spectators, injuring fifty-eight people and killing seven others. Though the storm was partially to blame, there were design, construction, and inspection errors that were found to be the root causes. The guy lines, ballast system, and structural connections were subpar, and that is why the stage’s roof couldn’t withstand the windy weather.