Fans hurt in storm before Backstreet Boys show in Oklahoma
THACKERSVILLE, Okla. — At least 14 people have been injured and transported to hospitals after trusses holding up the entrance to a resort where the Backstreet Boys were set to begin a concert in Oklahoma collapsed.
WinStar World Casino and Resort says in a statement posted on Twitter Saturday that the resort began an evacuation at about 5 p.m. when lightning was within four miles of the casino.
The company says about 150 patrons did not evacuate and when the storm hit with 70-80 mph winds, it knocked over trusses and the entrance collapsed on them. Of the 14 people taken to a hospital, two have been released.
WinStar later said the concert was postponed to a later date. Band member Kevin Richardson tweeted that the concert had been sold out with about 12,000 fans.
We have a sold out house tonight. 12,000 +. So amazing! If it is safe, our lights & sound work and the weather holds we are going to GO FOR IT! But safety #1. Stand by. ✌🏻❤️
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018
Update... unfortunately, due to damage sustained in the storm earlier this evening, we are unable to perform the show tonight. Safety is always #1. Keep your tickets because, Backstreet WILL BE BACK! ✌🏻❤️
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018
