Earlier this summer, I spoke of a tragic event following a St. Louis Cardinals game. In April 2012, a large tent installed at bar and grill Kilroy's in St. Louis, Missouri collapsed during a high wind storm. The tent collapse tragically killed one bar attendee and injured 20 others. At this time, it is still not clear why the tent collapsed – was it not made properly? Was it not installed properly? Was it not maintained properly? Should the tent have never been there at all given the possibility of storms? Until a more complete investigation is completed, we will not know the answers to these questions.
Today, I heard about another tragic recreational structure collapse, this time in Toronto just prior to a sold-out Radiohead concert. It seems a large steel stage collapsed, killing one and injuring three concert goers. While it is certainly sad to hear about these death and injuries, it is my understanding that this massive stage collapse could have been much, much worse. Initial news reports have revealed that the stage collapse occured just hours before the gates were opened to the public.
Large recreational events such as sporting events, concerts, parades must be well planned in order to ensure safety. A lot of entities are typically involved in setting up sporting events and concerts and all of these entities must work together to make sure that safety is the number one objective. When stages and tents are erected, those involved must make sure that the manufacturer of the equipment is reliable and performes regular safety testing of its products. The installer must not be rushed, must follow the instructions, and must have the necessary equipment. The event holder must ensure that the entities hired are top notch and have ample time to perform their assigned responsibilities.
Sometimes the unforseen happens. When severe storms roll through a highly touted event, it seems the show must go on. Sometimes, however, despite the financial loss, it may be safer to cancel or postpone the event rather than risking injury and/or life.
Lindsay Rakers is a Missouri Injury Attorney and Illinois Injury Attorney – protecting those bullied by insurance adjusters and companies who focus on the bottom line instead of doing what is right.
Follow Lindsay on Twitter at #KLindsayRakers
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