Roof Collapse at Apollo Theatre During Heavy Metal Concert in Illinois

Monster Storm System and Deadly Tornadoes Hit Southern and Midwest US

A powerful storm system swept across southern and midwestern states in the United States, causing widespread damage and leaving at least five dead. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center had warned of the potential for strong tornadoes and other severe weather conditions, and residents were urged to take precautions.

In Arkansas, Little Rock and the town of Wynne were among the hardest hit areas, with at least one confirmed fatality and many injuries reported. The National Guard was activated to help with damage response and recovery efforts. In Illinois, a tornado hit the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere during a sold-out heavy metal concert, leading to the collapse of the roof and awning.

Roof Collapse at Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois

As the storm moved through the area, a call came in minutes after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning about the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre. The building was hosting a concert featuring several bands including Morbid Angel, Revocation, and Skeletal Remains.

About 260 people were inside the venue at the time of the incident. One person died while 28 others were hospitalized with injuries, some of them serious. Emergency agencies and law enforcement from the area immediately responded to assist with rescue efforts. Luckily, there are no reports of anyone unaccounted for at this time.

Morbid Angel canceled their scheduled show due to the tornado that hit the venue. Mercyhealth is working tirelessly to care for patients and reunify their loved ones who have been affected by this tragic incident. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has been in touch with officials for updates on this matter and will be directing available resources to aid in response where necessary.

High Winds Caused the Collapse, Not a Tornado

Initial reports indicated that the roof collapsed due to fierce straight-line winds caused by the storm, not a tornado. The National Weather Service also mentioned that several businesses and buildings were damaged in Belvidere due to these strong winds.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to search for survivors and stabilize the building. The metal community has expressed concern for those affected by this accident, with many posting messages of support on social media.

Tornadoes Cause Destruction Across Southern US

Apart from Illinois, several states in the South of the country were also affected by deadly tornadoes. In Mississippi and South Carolina, severe tornadoes caused damage to buildings, vehicles and other structures, leading to the loss of lives and injuries.

President Joe Biden toured the aftermath of a deadly tornado that struck Mississippi a week earlier, promising government aid. Fast-moving grass fires also broke out in Oklahoma, fueled by wind gusts of up to 60mph, causing evacuations and road closures.

Power outages affected more than 109,000 customers in Illinois and nearly 90,000 customers in Arkansas. It will take some time for residents to recover from this disaster as cleanup efforts will be extensive.

The United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country worldwide. The deadliest tornado ever recorded was the Tri-State tornado of 1925, which claimed 695 lives. In December 2021, a photo of another entertainment venue hit by a tornado went viral, showing the destruction of one wall of a movie theater.

In conclusion, natural disasters can have devastating consequences on human life and property. This event serves as a reminder to us all to be vigilant during times of extreme weather conditions and take precautions to remain safe. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those who lost their loved ones during these difficult times, and our thoughts are with those injured in this incident.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons