Sugarland Sued Over Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse
Victims of the August 13 Indiana State Fair stage collapse are seeking justice. Forty-four survivors of the tragedy, as well as family members of those who died in the horrific accident, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against those associated with the production of the show — including Sugarland.
According to the suit, the ‘Stuck Like Glue’ duo had the final say on whether or not the show would go on. Strong 60 MPH winds took down the stage rigging at the fair, smashing into the crowd who were awaiting the group’s performance and killing seven people.
One plaintiff’s attorney is seeking amends based on the fact that the accident could have been prevented. Mario Massillamany remarked, according to AP, “Unfortunately, this tragedy could have been prevented if the responsible parties had been concerned about the concertgoers that night.”
The victims and families of four of the deceased fans, who were in a front section of the standing room area called the Sugar Pit when the stage fell, are asking for help with medical bills and other expenses that the tragedy has brought. “The injuries I sustained have left me unable to provide for my family. The financial and emotional strain this has caused has left a lasting impact on my family,” Lisa Hite, a victim who was in the crowd with her granddaughter, said.
The lawsuit is naming stage riggers, producers and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush as the ones to blame for not providing a safe concert experience by not canceling the event when the weather turned sour. This suit is one of at least three that have been filed against the band. As of Tuesday, Sugarland’s publicist had not commented on the matter.