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Collapsed Stage At Indiana State Fair Didn't Require Inspection

Christopher Robbins

Published Aug 16, 2011

Modified Aug 16, 2011

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Christopher Robbins

Published Aug 16, 2011

Modified Aug 16, 2011

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Because it was not technically a "structure," the stage and scaffolding that collapsed and killed 5 people at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday was not subject to any inspection or regulation whatsoever. A spokesman for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, which is charged with inspecting buildings, elevators, and rides, tells the Indianapolis Star, "There is no permitting process" for erecting such a stage. "There is no regulation on it. We do not regulate putting up of scaffolding in a business or an entertainment setting or anything of that type."

Despite Indiana Code stipulating that "a structure—temporary or permanent" must withstand winds up to 90 mph, a rep from the IDHS tells the paper, "You're talking about scaffolding and equipment, not a structure." The winds that knocked the scaffolding over were between 60 and 70 mph. A fellow at the American Institute of Architects called the stage "unbelievably flimsy" based on photos he saw before its collapse.

Meanwhile, friends and family of 29-year-old Bronx native Christina Santiago, continue to mourn her death in the accident. "I know a lot of people who are waiting for their dreams to come true, and Christina was living her dreams," a friend tells NY1. Santiago had been managing the Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago, the city's "leading health care center for gays and lesbians." Santiago was a committed activist for LGBT and Latino rights, and had planned to wed her longtime partner, who was severely injured in the incident, next fall in a civil union.

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bronx

indiana state fair

indianapolis

lgbt rights

tragedies

Christopher Robbins

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Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

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