The roof collapsed at the Apollo Theater in Belvidere

Belvidere, Ill. (CBS) — Officials in Belvidere held a press conference Saturday morning to provide an update on the events that led to the roof collapse at the Apollo Theater.

The derailment occurred during a concert on Friday evening as a strong gust of wind gusted to 90 mph.


Officials have provided an update on the roof collapse at the Apollo Theater in Belvidere

Authorities have confirmed that a man in his 50s has died after being caught in the rubble. Another 28 people were injured – two with life-threatening injuries, two with serious injuries, 18 with moderate injuries, and five with minor injuries.

More than 40 people are receiving treatment in local hospitals. Most injuries include orthopedic, head and neurological injuries, as well as soft tissue injuries, said Dr. Matt Smetana with Mercy Health.

No one was reported missing.

According to officials, a tornado touched down in Boone County- damaging a lineup, especially at the theater. Warning sirens sounded at 7:24 p.m., and a crash call came in at 7:47 p.m., two blocks down from the station. Due to the storm, not only the venue but also many buildings were damaged.


1 person killed, more than 2 dozen injured after roof collapse at Belvidere Place

Death metal bands kicked off the sold-out concert at 7 p.m Sick angel, withdrawal and skeletal remains They were in the bank at the scene.

The collapse occurred about 30 minutes into the concert. The first call came in as a mass-casualty collapse.

About 260 people were inside the theater for the concert — including the crowd, staff and orchestra, Shadel said. The capacity of the theater is about 1,500.

Video from the scene showed the marquee collapsing to the ground, as did much of the large willstring truss roof.

Bricks were also lying in the middle of the street. Some debris fell on nearby cars.

Inside the theatre, the roof in front of the proscenium collapsed – open to the outside with a flash of lightning. Then people may gather in front of the stage.


Officials provide information on Belvidere Theater collapse

Belvidere Police Chief Shane Woody described the scene when police arrived.

“Confusion. Absolute chaos,” he said. “When the officers are first on the scene, when the fire department and first responders get here, they do what they can to control the chaos as much as possible. But at the end of the day, we go in and ultimately try to find and save people. As many people as we can – get them as safe as we can.” Let’s bring it.”

Illinois state Rep. Dave Vella (D-Loves Park) said he was out to dinner with his wife in nearby Rockford and rushed to Belvidere when he learned of the collapse.

“It’s terrible what happened. The Apollo Theater is one of the most iconic places here and this damage is heartbreaking,” Vella said.

Cyclone Vella caused severe damage in a small area.

“Rockford is only about 10 minutes away and we don’t get much,” Vella said.

Gov. JP Pritzker says he’s in touch with officials to mobilize available resources.

Social media video from witness Mike Winters shows people rushing to help after the roof and ceiling collapsed. Vella said people were still trapped hours after the collapse, but everyone was evacuated from the building by 10 p.m.

A Chicago Fire Department source said there was a demand for 20 ambulances. Several police and fire departments were dispatched to the scene

No first responders were injured, Schadle said.

Vella said there were hundreds of people at the concert and many family members were scared late Friday.

“It’s a big storm that’s hit this area, and I’m telling you, as a community we’ve been hit hard right now by a lot of economic things,” Vella said. “It’s not a great time.”

CBS 2’s Marisa Perlman spoke with a high school student who rushed to the scene to help. He said he grew up in Belvidere and spoke with his father, whose 19-year-old son was injured.


Chaos following roof collapse at theater in Belvidere during severe weather

“When I first got here I witnessed people stretching out in front of the Apollo Theater,” Jayden Callaghly said. “Looks like they’re trying to get an ambulance access; EMTs.”

A MABAS 8 technical rescue team remained at the scene until 10 p.m., conducting secondary searches and working to stabilize the building, Shadle said.

Family and friends in the area should go to the fire station to search for concertgoers.

State Road is still closed and protected by fences as debris removal is underway. The theater and buildings have been damaged and condemned.

Belvidere is located in Boone County, 72 miles from Chicago.

Apollo is located at 104 N. State St. on the north end of the Belvidere business district.

According to Cinema Treasures, the Apollo Theater opened in 1921 as a stage play, movie and vaudeville venue. It has been the live music venue that Apollo Theater AC has been caked with for the past several years.

The once vacant building was reportedly renovated several years ago.

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