Woman dies at Linkin Park concert

Following yesterday's tragedy, both Big Concerts and Linkin Park have confirmed that at a woman has passed away as a result of the injuries she sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside of the Cape Town Stadium last night.

Big Concerts wrote the following Facebook update in the early hours of this morning:

Following the regrettable incident at Cape Town Stadium this evening, Big Concerts would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the injured persons and in particular the family of the fan who tragically passed away from injuries sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside the stadium from gusting gale force winds. We would like to thank the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Services, and all the medics, doctors, and disaster risk personnel for their swift and professional response to this accident.

Soon after, Big Concerts reposted the sentiments that Linkin Park expressed through their website and Facebook page:

Following our performance tonight at Cape Town Stadium, we were advised that several people were injured as a result of the collapse of an advertising tower erected by Lucozade in the parking area outside the venue.

We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died as a result of her injuries.

Though we have had no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans very seriously and our thoughts are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy.

After posting their initial, nonchalant Twitter update, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!" 

5FM finally acknowledged the severity of the incident, and apologised this morning, several hours after both Big Concerts and Linkin Park had already expressed their condolences. 

The radio station issued this short apology through their Twitter account, linking to an official statement (below), "Our thoughts & heartfelt condolences are with those affected by last night's tragic accident outside CT Stadium"

5FM's official statement, which also had the band's statement appended to the end:

We are deeply saddened to learn of last night's tragic accident, in which several people were injured when, due to strong winds, an advertising tower collapsed ouside [sic] the stadium. 

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family of the fan who passed away as a result of her injuries, as well as with those who were injured.

In my opinion this is far too little, too late from 5FM, especially considering they couldn't even bother to proof read the statement dealing with the death of a concert goer.

From what I've seen, Lucozade and the contractors responsible for setting up the advertising rig have yet to release any statements.

I wish a speedy, and full recovery to those injured in the incident, and offer my sympathies to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life.

--Update 09/11/2012--

Lucozade have released the following statement.

Official Response

We are deeply saddened by these events and extend our sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured and those who witnessed the tragedy.

As tour sponsors of the concert, we are in close contact with the concert organizers and investigating authorities and will cooperate fully with them in their investigations.

Lucozade later updated their statement, saying that, "Out of respect for victims of this accident [they] will be not be actively promoting [their] tour sponsorship up to and at the final event."

Linkin Park concert accident (Cape Town)

According to two recent posts about the Linkin Park show happening in Cape Town. Part of the stage a Lucozade advertising structure collapsed blew over outside of the Cape Town Stadium. The following picture surfaced on Twitter, confirming that it was an advertising instalment, and not the stage.

Initial reports claimed that at least two people were critically injured. ER24, the responding emergency medical service, have said that approximately 20 people were injured with "Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises."

5FM callously tweeted, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!"

While ER24 posted the following three updates via Twitter:

"Multiple serious injuries at Green Point Stadium #Rock-concert following structural collapse"

"20 people injured in scaffolding collapse at Green Point Stadium, strong winds" 

"Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises"

Big Concerts however continued to post pictures on their Facebook page of happy concert-goers already inside the venue, before issuing the following statement:

MEDIA RELEASE

Update on scaffolding collapse at Linkin Park concert at Cape Town Stadium

The City of Cape Town and Big Concerts confirm that twenty concert attendees were injured at the Cape Town Stadium this evening when a temporary scaffolding structure in the Stadium precinct collapsed due to high winds.

The City’s Emergency Services, including doctors, paramedics and Disaster Risk Management staff assisted immediately. The injured were treated on scene and have been taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.

The incident occurred at approximately 18h55 when high wind speeds caused the collapse of a temporary scaffolding structure. The temporary structure was a branding activation, located adjacent to the Stadium forecourt on the Cape Town CBD side of the venue.

The structure had been pre-approved and certified safe, by structural engineers prior to the event.

The remainder of the structure was dismantled and the commanding officer at the Venue Operations Centre declared the event site safe shortly afterwards.

The Stadium gates were re-opened to concert attendees. The concert is going ahead as planned.

All necessary support is being provided to those injured.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

Thankfully it sounds as if no lives were lost as a result of this tragic incident.

--Update 08/11/2012--

It has been confirmed that a woman has passed away as result of the injuries sustained form last night's accident.

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.