One person was tragically killed and at least 28 more were injured when the venue roof collapsed at a Morbid Angel concert in Belvedere, Illinois on Friday.
The Belvedere Police Department said 260 people were in the venue during the early portions of the concert which also included Crypta, Skeletal Remains and Revocation when the collapse occurred as a heavy storm rolled through the area. The capacity of the theater is around 1,500.
One concertgoer told the Rockford Scanner, “It was in between sets. The first band had just played. People were going outside to smoke. And then all the people came running back in, ’cause the rain started coming down real heavy.”
“Then all of a sudden the door that they came out of was swinging back and forth, slamming super hard. All the power went out in the building and the entire ceiling collapsed on everybody in the front area — right at the stage, on the stage, the people behind the stage; that sector of the building. When it came down, it blew me out towards the exit door. I crawled out a hole through the door and I escaped without a scratch; I don’t know how I did. But there’s definitely casualties and 50, about a hundred wounded — severely. It’s horrible.”
“Initially, I was confused because it felt like an earthquake, and I was thinking, ‘Why would there be an earthquake right now?'” an audience member at the concert who narrowly escaped injury told The New York Times. “As soon as that happened. I watched as the entire roof collapsed on everybody, basically right where we were standing.”
Morbid Angel posted via Facebook that the show was being canceled due to a tornado that hit the venue.
“We ask anyone who is still traveling to the venue to please seek shelter and stay safe,” the band added. “We are currently sheltering in place, and want to extend our support and hope that everyone at the show tonight is safe. Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home.”
The mother of Morbid Angel guitarist Trey Azagthoth posted a Facebook update: “Concerning the tornadoes that destroyed a venue Morbid Angel would be playing tonight. I spoke with Trey. He was in the back of the bus when this happened but he said everyone was OK. I could tell he is physically shaken by this as he saw the building collapse and knew their were people inside. All of the band members from the four bands thank God we’re safe. It seems like it happen after Crypta finished, and before the next band entered the stage. Trey said a very large oak tree just missed the bus but that they were safe.”
“Our saddest regrets and prayers go out to the members of the families who have lost love ones. Please be as respectful for those that are hurting. Trey was not sure about the continuing of the tour but I will do my best to keep you updated. Again, let’s give our thoughts and prayers to those who have lost their love ones. I am totally shaken by this and I think God all band members are unhurt.”
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