On Friday, March 31, a severe weather outbreak hit northern Illinois, causing widespread damage and injuries. One of the most shocking scenes was captured by a bystander at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, IL, where a metal rock concert was taking place.
The photo, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the aftermath of a roof collapse at the historic venue, which was built in 1928 and renovated in 2017. The roof caved in on hundreds of people who were attending the concert, featuring bands such as Morbid Angel, Revocation, Skeletal Remains and Crypta.
What Caused the Apollo Theatre Roof to Collapse?
According to officials, one person was killed and 28 others were injured in the incident. Five of them had severe injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. The rest had moderate or minor injuries and were treated on site or transported by personal vehicles.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that a tornado may have hit the area, despite no reports of an actual twister. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Boone County at 8:07 p.m., shortly before the collapse occurred.
Tornado damage at Apollo Theater in Belvidere IL The Apollo Theatre is one of the oldest and most iconic venues in Belvidere, hosting live music, comedy, theater and other events. It has a capacity of 1,000 people and is known for its art deco style and acoustics. Many fans and performers expressed their shock and sadness over the tragedy and offered their condolences and support to the victims and their families.
The governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, said he was closely monitoring the situation and directed any available resources to assist the local authorities. He also urged people to follow the guidance of all local officials and stay safe. Hopefully all those affected by this tragic incident make a full recovery.
