UPDATE: Six Now Dead In Indiana Stage Collapse

Photo: Steve C. Mitchell/European Pressphoto Agency

There are reports from Indiana that at least 3 people were killed and a dozen others injured when a stage came crashing down Saturday night at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.

The accident happened during an intermission according to Jill Schmidt, a regional dispatch manager for the Indianapolis police.

The band Sugarland was preparing to take the Hoosier Lottery Stage when strong winds swept across the area, pulling the metal rigging supporting the stage (video below).

Three children were taken to Riley Hospital for Children and eight adults to Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis. At Wishard Memorial Hospital, 17 patients, children and adults were being treated for injuries, none of them life-threatening, according to a hospital spokesman. None of the performers were injured.

Moments after the crash, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of the headlining act Sugarland posted on their Twitter account: “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.”

This accident occurs less than a month from a separate incident involving a stage collapse at a Cheap Trick concert in Canada.

Story developing…..

Video of the crash:

UPDATE (12:56 AM CDT)- THERE ARE NOW 4 REPORTED DEATHS.

UPDATE (8/19/2011) – USA Today is reporting that a 6th person, 22 year old Jenny Haskell has died. This statement was released to the press:  “After a long courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the State Fair. Jenny’s family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Continued support and prayers from the remaining victims would be greatly appreciated.”