Hoosiers remember state fair stage collapse 1 year later

INDIANAPOLIS - One year ago Monday, seven people were killed and dozens of others were injured when the rigging above the main stage at the Indiana State Fair grandstand collapsed as a strong wind gust blew through the fairgrounds.

Thousands of people had gathered to see the Sugarland concert, but the collapse happened just moments before the band was set to take the stage.

Earlier this year, state fair officials placed a plaque near the site of the collapse to honor the victims.

Monday night, all vendors and midway staff will hold a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 p.m., the time emergency officials were first notified about the collapse.

“We are going to stop shuttles. We are going to stop the midway. We are going to stop activities, concerts, everything. (We want) everybody to pause and reflect,” fair spokesman Andy Klotz said.

Officials will make a public announcement to notify fairgoers about the moment of silence.

The first of three public announcements will be made over the loud speakers starting at 8 p.m., rides will stop running at 8:30 p.m. and music and concessionaires stop at 8:45 p.m.

The moment of silence could last five minutes.