Country music group Sugarland are being sued for negligence by 44 victims of the horrifying stage collapse that happened just before their scheduled show at the Indiana State Fair this year.
Back on August 13th dangerous winds from an imposing storm caused the outdoor stage to crumble and fall over on to the first rows of fans. It was one of the most destructive concert disasters ever caught on video and it resulted in the loss of 7 lives and injury to over 45 more.
The lawsuit that has been filed in Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis accuses Sugarland, ESG Security, concert promoter Live Nation and other companies of failing their obligation to provide a safe environment for those concertgoers in attendance.
The band members’ lives were more than likely spared because their manager made a spontaneous decison to hold a prayer circle before they made their way on stage. The band tweeted condolences and singer Jennifer Nettles made a heart felt statement via their official website. In addition, Nettles and Kristian Bush returned to Indianapolis just last month to perform a free benefit concert.
So why would the band be included in this suit? Well according to the legal papers filed their contract stipulated that they had the final say on whether or not to cancel a show due to weather conditions.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Mario Massillamany said in a statement:
“Unfortunately, this tragedy could have been prevented if the responsible parties had been concerned about the concertgoers that night,” Co-counsel Scott Starr added, “This is a devastating tragedy that has impacted hundreds of people. It is critical to help the victims pay the medical bills and other financial expenses that they have incurred from this incident.”
Photo: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com
