Band devastated by stage tragedy

IFD and paramedics tend to the victims of a stage collapse before concert at Indiana State Fair (AP)
12 April 2012

The lead singer of country band Sugarland has said the group is heartbroken after a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair left five people dead.

Dozens more were injured after strong winds toppled the stage onto fans waiting for the band to perform.

Nettles has issued a statement saying the band is "stunned and heartbroken for the fans and their families in Indiana".

"We hold those injured in our prayers at this very sad time. There are no words. It is tragic."

Nettles and Kristian Bush have sold more than eight million records performing as Sugarland.

They have cancelled their Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair.

Authorities later named the five people who were killed in the incident.

Indiana State Police First Sergeant David Bursten said four people died on Saturday when the collapse happened and a fifth person died overnight at a hospital.

The Marion County Coroner's office named the victims as 23-year-old Alina Bigjohny of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 29-year-old Christina Santiago of Chicago, Illinois, and three Indianapolis residents: 42-year-old Tammy Vandam, 49-year-old Glenn Goodrich and 51-year-old Nathan Byrd.

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