Person killed after tornado causes roof collapse at Illinois heavy metal concert

Witnesses described "chaos" inside the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere as people at the gig helped to free others from the debris.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Deadly tornado sweeps through Arkansas
Why you can trust Sky News

One person has died and 28 were injured after the roof at a heavy metal concert in Illinois collapsed during a storm.

Police in Belvidere, about 50 miles west of Chicago, believe a tornado was to blame and described the scene as "absolute chaos".

It happened as a violent storm system hit the US south and Midwest, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses and killing at least six other people.

Latest:
'Our school is gone': Tornadoes death toll rising in US

Belvedere fire chief Shawn Schadle said there were 260 people at the Apollo Theatre when the collapse happened at about 7.48pm local time on Friday.

He said emergency workers had to deal with downed power lines outside the venue and also had to rescue someone from a lift.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arkansas declares state of emergency

"I was there within a minute before it came down," Gabrielle Lewellyn told local station WTVO-TV.

"The winds, when I was walking up to the building, it went like from zero to a thousand within five seconds."

Image: Witnesses described chaos inside the venue

Ms Lewellyn said people at the gig helped rescue victims from the debris.

"They dragged someone out from the rubble and I sat with him and I held his hand and I was (telling him) 'It's going to be okay'," she said. "I didn't really know much else what to do."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Another witness told NBC5 Chicago: "Everybody tried to leave the whole venue through the fire door.

"It was a lot of chaos, so I looked around and saw people in the rubble, and tried to help as many people as possible."

Five of the 28 people hurt sustained severe injuries, authorities said.

It is unclear which - if any - of the bands on Friday night's bill had started playing when the collapse happened.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Watch drone footage of the devastation in Wynne, Arkansas

Morbid Angel said they were "sheltering in place" in the aftermath, while Crypta band member Taina Bergamaschi said on Instagram that all the acts were "safe and sound".

In a statement on behalf of Morbid Angel, a spokesperson added: "We want to first and foremost send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the individual who tragically lost their life last night in the venue roof collapse due to heavy winds from a tornado.

"We lost a brother in Metal last night, and many were hurt and injured in this tragedy. We would like to express how truly thankful we are for those in attendance (Fans, Venue Staff, Bands and Crew) that assisted with getting people out and to safety.

"We want to thank the First responders (Fire, EMT, Police) that were on the scene quickly and were able to help in getting people out of the venue and to hospitals for treatment as quickly as possible."

The roof collapse happened as thunderstorms and tornados caused dozens of injuries and damaged homes in states including Arkansas - where a state of emergency was declared - as well as Iowa and Indiana.

It came a week after tornadoes with winds up to 200mph also flattened parts of Mississippi, killing at least 21 people and destroying many homes.