Thunderstorm Wind — Marion, Indiana

2011-08-13 · near Shooters Hill, Marion, Indiana

Event narrative

A stage collapse occurred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in between live performances by Sara Bareilles and Sugarland, as winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph hit the above-stage fly system. These damaging winds appeared to occur with the gust front that was out ahead of the area of precipitation. Seven fatalities and 43 injuries occurred as a result of this tragic stage collapse. The Indianapolis Business Journal estimates the damages at around 975 thousand dollars.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front during the afternoon and evening of August 13. As these storms moved across central Indiana, they brought damaging winds and large hail to the area. The storms also caused part of a stage to collapse at the Indiana State Fair, resulting in fatalities.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.8302, -86.1341)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 345683. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.