BELVEDERE, Ill. — One person was killed after authorities say a theater roof collapsed during a tornado Friday night in Belvidere, Illinois, and other injuries have been reported.
The Belvidere Police Department said the collapse occurred as a heavy storm rolled through the area and that calls began coming from the theater at 7:48 p.m. It said that an initial assessment was that a tornado had caused the damage.
Numerous media reports said the collapse occurred at the Apollo Theatre during a heavy metal concert in the town located about 70 miles northwest of Chicago.
Around 260 people were inside the theater when the roof collapsed, fire officials say. The fire chief described the scene as "complete chaos" when crews arrived.
The band posted on social media following the incident that a tornado hit the venue. Their post reads:
"Tonights show is Canceled due to a Tornado that hit the Venue. We ask anyone who is still traveling to the venue to please seek shelter and stay safe. We are currently sheltering in place, and want to extend our support and hope that everyone at the show tonight is safe. Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home."
