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On this date 11 years ago was a terribly sad day in central Indiana. Powerful storms swept into the state and brought sadness to what normally is a happy and festive time of the year.
What had been a hot, sunny day 11 years ago, quickly took a stormy and deadly turn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Seven people died and dozens were injured when a wind gust from approaching storms toppled stage rigging onto fans waiting for the Sugarland concert to start.
It was a Saturday in August of 2011. The temperature in Indianapolis had reached 90-degrees that afternoon. While fairgoers where enjoying the annual festivities at the fairgrounds, a stormy setup was brewing to our northwest. A cold front moving through the region had triggered thunderstorm activity out ahead of it. These storms swept the state, bringing large hail and damaging winds to central Indiana.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch had been issued for northern Indiana early in the day. At 6 PM, the watchbox had been extended south to cover almost all of Central Indiana, including Marion County.
Shortly before 9 p.m. that night, wind gusts as high as 77 mph were reported in Plainfield and 70 mph gusts were recorded at Speedway. Hail of 2” in diameter was reported in Benton county.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for all of Marion County at 8:39 p.m. as the line of storms began to bow out due to strong winds.
Seven minutes later, the Indiana State Fair stage collapsed, killing seven people attending the concert.
Included below is an image of the storm reports from the Storm Prediction Center that day. More details on the storm reports can be found here.
Previous articles written on survivor stories can be found here and here.
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