Belvidere’s Apollo Theaterroof collaps,1 dead, 2 critical, dozens injured. One 51-year-old man, Fred Livingston Jr, died with more than a dozen people hospitalized. Upwards of 200 people were inside during the collapse, attending a heavy metal concert. Officials credit those concert-goers with saving the lives of many.
“They didn’t have to be there. They could have gone out to safety. A lot of them stayed there. We all worked together to organize the rescue of at least ten people stuck,” said Chief Shawn Schadle, Belvidere Fire Department.
“It was potentially unsafe for them with the roof and not knowing what that structure was going to do. Even the walls were in question of whether or not they were going to fall in,” said Mayor Clinton Morris, City Of Belvidere.
Mayor Morris sends his deepest condolences to the family of Fred Livingston Jr, remembering his death in addition to damages seen throughout the community.
“Fred Livingston Jr was the individual who lost his life that evening. It is a shame for his family. I know that was a horrific event for the community. There were a lot of other buildings that were damaged here,” said Mayor Morris.
Both inside and outside, The Apollo Theatre has made significant repairs. Officials hope it will now serve as a reminder to take all necessary precautions during a severe weather threat.
“At the beginning of the warning, there’s three minutes of tornado sirens, then they turn off. Then utilize their cell phones and pay attention to see when the warning is done,” said Schadle.
“Nobody is exempt from catastrophe. If we get a warning, we should adhere to it,” said Mayor Morris.
Benefit concert supporting victims in the Apollo Theatre roof collapse.
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