The latest scheduled performance of 90’s boy band “Backstreet Boys” turned violent when a strong thunderstorm impacted the outdoor venue they were scheduled to perform at. Fourteen Backstreet Boys fans were injured when a concrete structure collapsed on them outside the WinStar World Casino and Resort Saturday night in Love County, Oklahoma.
The fourteen concertgoers were waiting for the show to begin when the storm struck. They were injured and treated by emergency personnel and then transported to local hospitals.
Kevin Richardson Tweeted, “Hey folks! Severe weather, high winds and rain just passed thru here in Thackerville, OK. Emergency crews are on the scene as tent collapsed and some folks who were seeking shelter were injured. Waiting to determine damage to our stage and production.”
Performer Nick Carter also Tweeted, “Waiting and praying for our fans that were injured. If we can perform were ready to go. But safety is first.” Then soon after, the group’s Twitter account posted, “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!”
The Backstreet Boys were set to perform with 98 Degrees soon after the storm passed through Oklahoma.
Several high profile events have been impacted by severe weather in recent years, injuring or killing fans in recent months. In December, wind collapsed a steel structure at a music festival, killing DJ Kaleb Freitas while injuring 3 others. In 2011, 5 were killed and dozens injured when a stage collapsed in gusty winds at the Sugarland concert in Indiana. Also in 2011, fans were injured at the Cheap Trick Bluesfest event in Ottawa, Canada.
