At least 14 fans were injured at an outdoor Oklahoma concert venue while attending the Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees Concert because of a storm.
A storm rolled through the area and caused significant damage including the injury of no less than 14 eager fans at WinStar World Casino and Resort, an outdoor Oklahoma venue. The storm caused the entrance trusses to break according to the venue’s spokesperson, Kym Koch Thompson. The metal structure that came down from the weather held the banner that read, “The Colosseum at WinStar.”
She said that around 150 of the excited fans, “did not head staff warnings,” as they began evacuating when lightning was spotted. The venue received heavy rain and wind as high as 80 mph.
At least 14 people were injured when a metal structure collapsed prior to Backstreet Boys’ concert in Thackerville, Oklahoma on Saturday: https://t.co/fsqxpcBnai pic.twitter.com/Q1ON8Neraw
— Consequence of Sound (@consequence) August 19, 2018
A spectator, Linda Tesfatsion, commented, “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.” Tesfatsion said that she saw four individuals shuttled away by gurney and many others with head wounds that were able to walk.
According to CNN, two of the hospitalized fans have been released thus far.
Before the concert, Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys tweeted, “We have a sold out house tonight.” He continued to mention that they would go on IF it was safe.
We have a sold out house tonight. 12,000 +. So amazing! If it is safe, our lights & sound work and the weather holds we are going to GO FOR IT! But safety #1. Stand by. ✌????❤
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018
Once inclimate weather began to approach he tweeted more updates.
Update… we are waiting on the safety inspector to inspect the structural integrity of the stage before any of our crew can get on the stage to asses the damage to our lights, sound and production elements. After which we can determine if we CAN perform. Stand by…
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018
Update… unfortunately, due to damage sustained in the storm earlier this evening, we are unable to perform the show tonight. Safety is always #1. Keep your tickets because, Backstreet WILL BE BACK! ✌????❤
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018
“Backstreet WILL BE BACK,” Richardson tweeted, encouraging fans to keep their tickets to make their make-up show. It has yet to be rescheduled.
Members of 98 Degrees were also disappointed the concert had to be cancelled.
— 98 Degrees (@98official) August 19, 2018
“We never want to put our fans in harms way,” tweeted out Backstreet Boys’ official twitter account.
Their Vegas residency with the Zappos Theatre at Planet Hollywood picks back up October 24th with four more shows.
