One dead other casualties at Morbid Angel concert

BELVIDERE, Ill. (CBS) — A structure collapse was reported Friday evening during a concert at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois.

At least one person was killed in the collapse, CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman has learned. Numerous others were injured, though the number was not immediately known. 

The collapse was reported as severe storms with 90 mph winds blew through.

The sold-out concert began at 7 p.m. Death metal bands Morbid Angel, Revocation, and Skeletal Remains were on the bill at the venue.

The collapse happened about 30 minutes into the concert. The first call came in as a mass-casualty collapse.

Video from the scene showed the marquee collapsed to the ground, as did a large portion of the large bowstring truss roof.

Bricks were also seen lying in the middle of the street. Some debris landed on nearby cars.

Inside the theater, the ceiling right in front of the proscenium collapsed – leaving the space open to the outside. People were likely gathered in front of the stage at the time.

Social media video from witness Mike Winters showed people stepping in to help after the roof and ceiling collapsed. There were also reports that people were still trapped as of just before 9:30 p.m.

A Chicago Fire Department source said there was a request for 20 ambulances. Multiple police and fire departments were on the scene.  

Belvidere is located in Boone County, about 72 miles from Chicago.  

The Apollo is located at 104 N. State St. at the north end of the Belvidere Business District.

According to Cinema Treasures, the Apollo Theatre opened in 1921 as a stage play, movie, and vaudeville venue. It has been a live music venue caked the Apollo Theatre AC for the past several years.