One Dead, Dozens More Injured After Roof Collapse At Illinoi Theater [Video]

One person is dead, and 28 were injured when the roof and marquee of the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois collapsed during a sold-out concert.

Around 260 people were inside the theater for a metal show featuring Morbid Angel, Revocation, and Skeletal remains. The show was slated to start at 7 p.m., and the collapse happened about 30 minutes into the show.  

A source from the Chicago Fire Department told CBS News that 20 ambulances were requested to transport the injured. Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle said five people were transported to the hospital with severe injuries, five with minor injuries, and 18 people were treated for minor injuries. 

Video from inside the venue shows people working to free victims from the rubble. Large pieces of the roof are dragged from the pile, and one person is seen being pulled from the debris.

Officials believe that a severe storm with 90 mph wind that moved through the area was the cause of the damage. An apparent tornado touched down in the area, but they are waiting on the National Weather Service to confirm.

The street outside the venue was littered with debris, including bricks. The marquee and a portion of the building’s roof collapsed, opening the inside of the theater up to the storm. 

Police Chief Shane Woody described the scene as “absolute chaos.” 

“When officers are first on the scene when the fire department and first responders get here, they do the best they can to control the chaos as much as possible,” he said. “But ultimately, we go in, and ultimately try and find people, and save as many people as we possibly can – and bring them to safety as best as we can.”

Governor JB Pritzker tweeted that he’s been in touch with officials and will direct resources to the area.

My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight.

I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can.

As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 1, 2023