[GODREKR]

Hundreds of people were inside the theater for a sold-out metal concert featuring Morbid Angel, Skeletal Remains, Revocation

Friday, March 31, 2023

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WLS) -- At least one person has died and 28 others are injured after the roof collapsed during a sold-out concert at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, as severe storms raced through the area Friday evening.

The Boone County sheriff's office confirmed multiple ambulances were called to the scene. Several people were seen being taken away on stretchers.

The theater's marquee and facade crashed onto State Street, littering the area with bricks and debris as first responders scrambled to help the wounded.

Around 260 people were inside the theater to see metal bands Morbid Angel, Revocation and Skeletal Remains. The show was scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

"We are currently sheltering in place, and want to extend our support and hope that everyone at the show tonight is safe," Morbid Angel wrote in a Facebook post. "Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home."

Theresa Best, of Woodstock, was on her way to the concert when friends began calling her frantically to let her know what had happened. She said she has friends who were inside the theater that she hasn't been able to reach.

"The metal community is so nice, and my heart just aches for anybody who did lose their life," Best said. "I just hope all my friends are OK."

Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle said first responders were on the scene within two minutes, since the fire station is just across the street.

Chief Schadle added that MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Rescue Team was performing a second, more thorough search and working to stabilize the building.

https://www.mystateline.com/news/loc...owerful-storm/

https://abc7chicago.com/apollo-theat...nado/13060700/

[kellyhound]

Around 260 people were inside the theater to see metal bands Morbid Angel, Revocation and Skeletal Remains.

The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for Belvidere, estimating wind gusts of 70 mph and quarter-sized hail.

[GODREKR]

Yeah, it doesn't look like it's going to get any better any time soon.

[MissMary1980]

All the news stations were not even covering the tornadoes shoot Ryan hall and the other you tubers were on it.. my mothers nursing home had no idea the storm was coming and they blast the news all day

[deadhorsey]

The bands sucked anyway.

[Budd Dwyer]