One person has died and at least 28 others have been hospitalized after the “full roof collapse” at the Apollo Theater in Belvidere, Illinois. The venue had a headlining set by Morbid Angel. The roof caved shortly after the band’s opener, Brazilian death metal band Crypta finished their set. The New York Times reports that after Crypta’s set, the Apollo announced that the show would have to be paused for a half-hour due to “dangerous weather” outside. Soon after, the roof collapsed.
It is also reported that the building’s front awning collapsed and emergency workers responded to an electrical fire behind the venue, plus gas leaks and an elevator rescue. Crypta took to Instagram to let fans know that all of the touring bands were safe. Morbid Angel said in a Facebook post that its members were still sheltering in place at the venue. “Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is OK and gets home,” the band said.
The show was a part of their United States Tour of Terror 2023. The tour is a celebration of the band being together for 40 years.