UPDATE: 1 person dead and many injured after roof collapse at Belvidere’s Apollo Theatre

UPDATE (11:30 p.m.) - Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle told WIFR-TV in Rockford his department received a call about the roof collapse at the venue on N. State Street just before 8 p.m. Friday.

Officials say the call came minutes after receiving word from the National Weather Service about a tornado warning in the area.

Crews learned about 260 people were inside the Apollo Theatre for a concert at the time of the collapse.

Preliminary information from officials revealed that one person died at the scene and dozens were injured. Five patients were transported by ambulance with severe injuries, 18 patients were transported with moderate injuries and five others had minor injuries.

Emergency agencies and law enforcement from around the area were called in to help with the incident. At this time, there have not been any reports of anyone unaccounted for.

UPDATE (10:15 p.m.) - One person is dead and at least 28 others hurt after the roof collapsed at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, WIFR TV in Rockford reported late Friday night.

According to officials, 260 people were inside the venue at the time of the roof collapse.

Concert-goers were inside the theater to see metal band Morbid Angel, Revocation and Skeletal Remains.

Morbid Angel released a statement on the group’s Facebook page, saying that a tornado 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.”

In a news release, Mercyhealth officials said they are working to care for patients and reunify loved ones. Those looking to reunite with their family should call 608-755-8820.

UPDATE (9:55 p.m.) - Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement on his Facebook page about the roof collapse at Apollo Theatre in Belvidere.

“My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight.

I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can.

As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.”

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - Several emergency crews are in the area of downtown Belvidere after reports of a “mass casualty event” at the Apollo Theatre.

Photos from the area of N. State Street in Belvidere show a fallen marquee and lots of debris in the road.

We’ve received several reports that the roof collapsed during a storm Friday evening and multiple people are being transported to nearby hospitals.

A concert was planned for Friday evening, according to the venue’s Facebook page.

Belvidere is in Boone County and located east of Rockford.

This story will be updated.

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