Fans injured during storm at Backstreet Boys concert

WinStar World Casino and Resort said about 150 patrons did not evacuate when the storm hit with 128 kph winds.

By Associated Press Sunday 19 Aug 2018, 12:30 PM

Aug 19th 2018, 12:30 PM 15,195 Views 12 Comments

https://jrnl.ie/4189511

The Backstreet Boys performing in Central Park, New York.

Image: SIPA USA/PA Images

The Backstreet Boys performing in Central Park, New York.

Image: SIPA USA/PA Images

AT LEAST 14 people have been injured and transported to hospitals after trusses holding up the entrance to a resort where the Backstreet Boys were set to begin a concert in Oklahoma collapsed.

WinStar World Casino and Resort said in a statement posted on Twitter Saturday that the resort began an evacuation at about 5pm when lightning was within four miles of the casino.

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

Source: Sydney Stavinoha/Twitter

The company said about 150 patrons did not evacuate and when the storm hit with 70-113-128 kph winds, it knocked over trusses and the entrance collapsed on them.

Of the 14 people taken to a hospital, two have been released.

WinStar later said the concert was postponed to a later date.

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Band member Kevin Richardson tweeted that the concert had been sold out with about 12,000 fans.

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!
— Backstreet Boys (@backstreetboys) August 19, 2018

Source: backstreetboys/Twitter

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Fans injured during storm at Backstreet Boys concert