One person was killed and 28 others were injured after a full roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, on Friday evening, officials said.
via: NBC News
Of the 28 people who were taken to the hospital, five had serious injuries, according to Belvidere fire officials.
When the roof and front awning collapsed, 260 people were inside the Apollo Theater, Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle said.
The Belvidere Police Department said the collapse occurred as a heavy storm rolled through the area and that calls began coming from the theater at 7:48 p.m. It said that an initial assessment was that a tornado had caused the damage.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he was monitoring the situation in the city about 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
“I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can,” he tweeted.
My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight.
I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can.
As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 1, 2023
The metal band Morbid Angel was among the night’s scheduled entertainment, but it wasn’t clear if anyone had taken the stage before the collapse. A band representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The monster storm system that collapsed the roof also spawned deadly tornadoes that shredded homes and shopping centers in Arkansas. Much of the Midwest and South was at risk for severe weather Friday.
Mass casualty event as tornado hits the theater in Belvedere Illinois. pic.twitter.com/DIlXSu98XV
— Cyndi (@OffCyndisc) April 1, 2023
#BREAKING #Belvedere EL TECHO DEL TEATRO COLAPSÓ EN PLENO CONCIERTO TRAS EL PASO DE UN POSIBLE TORNADO. IMÁGENES FUERTES: pic.twitter.com/sh0WcINTfD
— ??Francisco ?? ? ?? Villalobos??Limon?? (@fvreporter) April 1, 2023
