A little over a week after the tragic stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, further details are emerging. First, the fairly good news. There's a touching story of heroism surrounding Maggie, a 3-year-old little girl who was in the “Sugarpit” section of the audience at the time the stage fell. Her mother was knocked unconscious and left unable to stand due to a leg injury. According to the Indianapolis Star, at least seven strangers pitched in to help bring Maggie to safety as the little girl had sustained a life-threatening injury to her arm. An assembly-line style system of police officers, doctors and fans helped move people out of the area. The mother and her little girl have been reunited but both have a long recovery ahead of them. Maggie was wearing a tutu at the concert which had to be cut off due to her injuries. But, according to reports the little girl received two new tutus from friends over the past week. The Star also reports that she received a balloon bouquet to her hospital room from Sugarland.
Next is the sad news. A sixth person, Jennifer Haskell, a 22-year old student of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana is the latest victim to have died of injuries suffered during the horrific stage collapse. She was studying to become an athletic trainer. At least 40 people were hurt in the tragedy and several of them still remain in the hospital.
The succession of events leads next to the first wrongful death lawsuits being filed. According to Reuters, the suits were filed on behalf of one of the victims and her family member, who was among the injured. The suit names Mid-America Sound Corp, Live Nation Worldwide and Lucas Entertainment Group. The Indiana State Fair Commission has hired a New York engineering company to coordinate and conduct a structural investigation into the collapse, while a Washington, D.C. based firm will analyze the fair’s preparedness and response to the tragedy.
In today's lighter news, Martina McBride, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum have been added to the entertainment lineup for the MDA Labor Day Telethon. Their performances were taped at the Opry earlier this year and will be played during the annual program. The telethon airs on Sunday, September 4th. And finally, look for the new video from Sara Evans for “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” to world premiere today on CMT.
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