Several hurt as stage collapses during high school performance
Published 9:07 am Friday, April 24, 2015
WESTFIELD, Ind. — More than a dozen students suffered minor injuries after a stage filled with students collapsed during a musical performance at a central Indiana high school, authorities said Friday morning.
Capt. Charles Hollowell of the Westfield Police Department said all of the students injured in the collapse Thursday evening were “doing really well,” including one who initially was reported in critical condition.
Authorities said a large group of students was on the stage during the grand finale of the “American Pie” concert at Westfield High School when the floor of the stage collapsed into the orchestra pit below.
Westfield Washington Schools Superintendent Mark Keen said the school was gathering records related to the stage for investigators to scrutinize. Keen said it appears that a cover that is placed over the orchestra pit for some productions gave way, causing the collapse.
Regularly scheduled classes will meet Friday and Keen said faculty would come in early to work with students as they arrive.