Roof Collapse At Apollo Theatre In Belvidere; 1 Dead, Dozens Injured

One 51-year-old man was killed and 48 others were injured after a tornado knocked down the roof of the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, as hundreds of people attended a heavy metal concert.

Morbid Angel headlined the show, with support from Crypta, Skeletal Remains and Revocation. Five people from the venue were critically injured following the roof collapse, with 18 having less severe injuries.

An estimated 260 were inside at the time of the collapse, according to Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle.

“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 on the night of the show. “Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home.”

According to Chief Schadle, first responders were on the scene within two minutes. Another building across the street reportedly had severe wind damage. Both buildings were searched and crews are assessing their structural integrity.

According to officials, the crowd at the theater helped to remove debris and free those trapped.