Not less than 14 persons have been injured at Backstreet Boys concert in Oklahoma after a metal structure at an outdoor collapsed in a storm.
This led to the cancellation of the concert. In a tweet, the US band posted: “We never want to put our fans in harm’s way.”
According to reports, fans were waiting at the venue when the storm hit the area causing trusses at the entrance to collapse due to the high winds. All who sustained injuries were taken to hospital. Two have since been discharged.
In a statement, the venue hosting the concert WinStar World Casino and Resort, said that it had asked its patrons to seek shelter from the storm at about 1700 local time (2200 GMT) on Saturday after lightning was spotted within four miles of the site.
“However, about 150 patrons who were standing in line for the Backstreet Boys concert did not heed staff’s warnings.”
One fan, who said she witnessed the incident unfold, tweeted a video showing emergency vehicles at the scene:
“Current scene at #WinStarWorldCasino. My stomach is in knots. A pavillion collapsed in front of us on people waiting in line at the @backstreetboys concert. #oknews #BSB #okwx pic.twitter.com/7Km54rfbg7
— Sydney Stavinoha (@SydneyStavinoha) August 18, 2018
Another Twitter user Linda Tesfatsion wrote: ‘Hundreds of Backstreet Boys fans playing chicken with an Oklahoma storm right now. Giant metal entrance structure, portable toilets, blew over. A handful of people left in ambulances.’
After the incident, the Backstreet Boys said they would try to reschedule the concert.
“We never want to put our fans in harm’s way and with tonight’s weather and the injuries from earlier, we have decided to cancel the show and will attempt to reschedule. The most important thing is for everyone to get home safely and we will see you all very soon!”
— backstreetboys (@backstreetboys) August 19, 2018
Band member Kevin Richardson earlier tweeted that the show had been sold out with 12,000 fans expected.
Backstreet Boys is a boyband group, who gained popularity in the 90s. Members of the group are: Richardson, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough.