Linkin Park Fan Killed After Outside Advertisement Tower Collapses Prior To Cape Town Gig
Thursday, 08 November 2012
Written by Elliott Batte
A fan of nu-metal/alt-rock superstars Linkin Park was tragically killed before a gig in South Africa last night, after strong winds blew down an advertising tower outside the venue - injuring 20 others.
The branding tower - made almost entirely of scaffolding - had been certified as structurally safe prior to the show, but collapsed after hefty gusts of winds battered the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.
Of the 20 people left injured, 12 were rushed to a local hospital to deal with their wounds - but one female sadly didn’t make it out alive.
The unfortunate incident took place before the gig, meaning that after all the advertisements had been removed and all safety hazards checked, the gig was able to go ahead as planned.
Sending their deepest condolences, Linkin Park said in a statement: “Following our performance tonight at Cape Town Stadium, we were advised that several people were injured as a result of the collapse of an advertising tower erected by Lucozade in the parking area outside the venue. We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died as a result of her injuries.
“Though we have had no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans very seriously and our thoughts are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy.”
Big Concert - the promoter and organiser of the gig - also released a statement, which read: “Following the regrettable incident at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening, Big Concerts would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the injured persons and in particular the family of the fan who tragically passed away from injuries. We would like to thank the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Services, and all the medics, doctors, and disaster risk personnel for their swift and professional response to this accident.”
The incident is not the only lethal structural collapse of recent times, with strong winds having caused a number of deaths at gigs in the past year - Radiohead’s drum technician was killed after a stage collapse in Toronto during summer, while the Indiana State Fair ended in tragedy as seven people were killed.
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