Storm Rips Through Illinois Theater, Killing One

A 51-year-old man was killed and nearly 50 others were hospitalized when a theater roof caved in on the revelers below as a series of tornados tore through the Midwest.

Around 260 concert-goers had been packed into the sold-out heavy metal gig at the Apollo Theatre, in Belvidere, Illinois, when the roof collapsed at 7:56 p.m. on Friday night, Belvidere Fire Department chief Shawn Schadle told Newsweek. Rescue teams, including more than 100 firefighters, searched through the rubble for survivors and tried to stabilize the building.

"A total of 48 injured persons were treated at local area hospitals," Schadle said. "As of 10 a.m. [Saturday], 24 patients remained hospitalized, and 24 patients were treated and released. Of the 28 patients transported by ambulance, five are in critical condition. Unfortunately, a 51-year-old male was found to be deceased upon our arrival."

He added: "During this effort, multiple calls for service throughout Belvidere were received including gas leaks, reports of trees on houses, an electrical fire, and an elevator rescue [...] There were no reports of storm-related injuries unrelated to the Apollo, and there were no reports of injuries to first responders."

The tragedy came as much of the region was battered by fierce winds and storms, with tornados also ripping through the South. Cars were flipped, trees were felled, and buildings were damaged during the storms, which have so far left four dead across the U.S. with many more injured.

However, it's thought the damage inflicted at the theater was caused by fierce straight-line winds whipped up by a storm, rather than a tornado.

Eyewitness footage from the theater shared online by news account RAWALERTS showed dazed fans calling out to try to find their friends in the chaos, as others worked together to lift huge chunks of the roof up from the floor, fearing people were trapped underneath. Beams, bricks, and debris had rained down and spilled outside into State Street as the theater's marquee and facade collapsed.

The Fire Department was at the scene almost immediately, because it is located just across the street, while Boone County Sheriff's Office deputies and ambulances also rushed to the venue to help the wounded.

The show, which is believed to have been well underway at the time because it was due to start at 7:00 p.m. featured several bands, including Morbid Angel, Revocation, and Skeletal Remains. Bandmembers later reached out to their fans on social media in the wake of the disaster. Morbid Angel posted on Facebook to say: "We are currently sheltering in place, and want to extend our support and hope that everyone at the show tonight is safe. Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home."

Another band on the bill, Cryptadeath, posted on Instagram: "We are safe and sound! All bands on the package are safe! Thanks for your concern! ...We lost our RV, but we are ok."

One fan replied: "So glad to read this and hear that the bands are okay...I was there and some people were hurt badly after roof caved. Just missed me and my friend by about 20 feet. Pray for those that were hurt."

A worried fan spoke to local news channel ABC 7 outside the police cordon and revealed she had been unable to get hold of her friends who had been inside the venue. Theresa Best, of Woodstock, had been on her way to the concert when other friends frantically called her to tell her of the horror unfolding at her destination. She said she had been "bawling" the rest of the way, but has been unable to make contact with the friends she had been due to meet inside the theater. "The metal community is so nice, and my heart just aches for anybody who did lose their life," she added. "I just hope all my friends are OK."

ABC7 meteorologist Cheryl Scott said an intense storm cell hit the Belvidere area around 7:45 p.m., with winds in excess of 50 mph. She said it was possible that a tornado may have touched down briefly, but that will need to be investigated and confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Illinois's Governor, J.B. Pritzker, tweeted: "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."

Meanwhile, hundreds are feared injured after tornados ripped through Arkansas, with terrifying videos capturing the size and scale of the churning winds racing across the land.

The U.S. experiences more tornadoes than any other country, with 1,200 a year on average. The deadliest ever recorded, the Tri-State tornado of March 18, 1925, lasted for over three hours and killed 695 people.

A haunting photo of another entertainment venue that was hit by a tornado went viral in December 2021, as a photo revealed how one wall was completely torn away from the movie theater, with seats left facing the outside world instead of the big screen. The destruction looked as though it was a scene from a disaster movie.

Update 04/3/23, 3:44 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information and comments from Chief Shawn Schadle of Belvidere Fire Department.