Stage Collapse Kills One At Canadian Festival

High winds and stormy weather resulted in a stage collapse that killed one person and injured fifteen others at an open-air music festival in Canada on Saturday night.

Described as “hurricane-like” the severe weather, which included 60mph winds and torrential rain, struck just before Modern West, Kevin Costner's country band, were due to perform.

American singer-songerwriter Billy Currington's bass player was also injured in the collapse.

Festival organiser, Larry Werner, said: "We are deeply saddened by the events of Saturday night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, fans and friends impacted by this incident."

It has been reported that festival organisers received news of a thunderstorm warning but failed to notify festival goers.

As a result of the incident the final day of the festival was cancelled.

Thousands of country music fans have flocked to the Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta each year since it began in 1992 and it can attract up to 100,000 fans over the course of its four days.

Stage collapse