Music

At least five injured as stage collapses at Ottawa Bluesfest

by Ciaran Thompson

A severe thunderstorm caused the main stage at Ottawa Bluesfest to collapse last night during the final evening of the 12-day festival. The accident harmed at least five people, sending one to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Cheap Trick had just finished their short set around 7 p.m. before heavy winds, reportedly as strong as 90 kilometres per hour, forced the stage to collapse. Those in attendance immediately ran to the Canadian War Museum for cover as torrential rain and hail began to fall.

A message posted on the band’s Facebook page indicates that nobody from the group was injured: “Everyone is okay and we are so lucky to be alive and hope that all the fans are okay too.” However, a spokesperson from Ottawa Fire Services said a 49-year-old man was in serious condition with abdominal, pelvic, and leg injuries.

The remaining sets slated for last night, including performances by Death Cab For Cutie and Ra Ra Riot, were cancelled. Executive Director for the festival Mark Monahan will hold a news conference today at 11 a.m. to discuss the stage collapse.

Watch news footage of the incident below.