A horrible accident at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 15, 2011 has left 5 people dead and over 40 people injured. Storms and high winds moved in the city just before country music act Sugarland was set to take the stage on the Grandstand at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. A huge gust of wind toppled the canopy of the stage causing the fatalities and the injuries. Nate Byrd was a stagehand that died the following day from his injuries. The other four who died are Tammy Vandam of Wanatah, IN; Glenn Goodrich, Indianapolis,IN; Alina Bigjohny, Fort Wayne, IN; Christina Santiago, Chicago, IL. Three of the injured were children.

The Indiana State Fair executive director has confirmed that Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the State Fire Marshall's office are conducting an investigation. Additionally, Mid-America Sound Corp., the company who erected the stage, is doing their own internal investigation. Another question that remains unanswered is whether or not those in attendance were given proper, advanced warning to evacuate the Grandstand given the looming weather conditions. Hopefully, all questions will be answered at the conclusion of the investigations.

Wagner Reese has extensive experience handling wall and structure collapse cases which often involve OSHA violations. If you have questions regarding a collapsing case resulting in injury or death, contact our injury attorneys at (800) 792-0332 for a free case evaluation.

The driver of a motorcycle is dead after a pick-up truck failed to stop at a red light. Witnesses say the motorcycle was pulled out in the intersection in order to make a left turn onto 56 th Street from the exit ramp of I-465 on the Westside of Indianapolis, IN. The pick-up truck had a red light and appeared as though he was unable to stop, pinning the motorcycle and its driver under the truck. Christopher Schell, Kokomo, Indiana, was hauling pavement supplies and was uninjured. The identity of the motorcyclist has not been released.

While the family of the motorcyclist is overcome with grief, they are probably not concerned with contacting a personal injury attorney. However, if the family becomes ready and willing to discuss their options with an experienced personal injury law firm, they should contact Wagner Reese to deal with the insurance companies and get them the maximum compensation. Our law firm has experience handling cases involving motorcycles and tragic death. If you or someone you know has been injured, please call for a free consultation. (800) 792-0332.