Backstreet Boys Cancel US Show After Structure Collapse Injures Fans

Backstreet Boys were forced to cancel a show in Oklahoma this past weekend after severe weather resulted in the concert entrance structure collapsing and injuring 14 fans. 

As Billboard reports, the 14 injured were waiting to enter the WinStar World Casino and Resort's outdoor pavilion, despite reports of 70-80 mile an hour winds and heavy rain.

The venue issued a statement shortly after the show's cancellation. 

"At 5.00pm, WinStar World Casino and Resort officials began evacuation of the outdoor concert venue after observing that lightning was within four miles of the casino," the statement reads. 

"All patrons in the area were asked to move and to seek shelter from the storm. However, about 150 patrons who were standing in line for the Backstreet Boys concert did not heed staff’s warnings. 

"At approximately 5.30pm, the storm hit and knocked over the concert entrance trusses with 70-80 mile an hour winds and heavy rain. 14 people were treated at the scene and then transported to local hospitals. Two have already been released."

Backstreet Boys took to Twitter to announce the concert had been called off, writing, "We never want to put our fans in harm's way and with tonight’s weather and the injuries from earlier, we have decided to cancel the show and will attempt to reschedule".

Group member Kevin Richardson was keeping fans updated throughout, initially tweeting before the collapse that "if it is safe, our lights & sound work and the weather holds we are going to GO FOR IT!"

Both Backstreet Boys and Winstar have said that the show will be rescheduled "to a later date".

We never want to put our fans in harm's way and with tonight’s weather and the injuries from earlier, we have decided to cancel the show and will attempt to reschedule. The most important thing is for everyone to get home safely and we will see you all very soon!

— backstreetboys (@backstreetboys) August 19, 2018