(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Emergency responders were on the scene of a roof collapse late Friday at a theater in Belvidere, Illinois near Rockford.
Published reports said the incident occurred around 8 p.m. during a heavy metal concert at the Apollo Theatre, 104 N. State St., as storms moved through the Boone County region.
Video posted on social media showed damage inside the theater and patches of sky visible through gashes in the ceiling. Patrons can be seen wandering around, looking for people under the rubble. Additional video and images showed debris outside the venue.
Several ambulances were requested for the "mass casualty" event, but little information was immediately available.
CBS 2 reported at least one fatality.
One of the bands that was to perform Friday, Morbid Angel, released a statement saying a tornado had hit the theater.
"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," the band's statement said.
Belvidere is about 70 miles from Chicago.
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