1 dead, more than 40 injured in Belvidere theater roof collapse

BELVIDERE, Ill. (April 3, 2023) – One person died and more than 40 people were injured after the roof of the historic Apollo Theatre in Belvidere collapsed during severe weather Friday evening.

The theater was hosting a sold-out heavy metal concert when a suspected tornado ripped through the area. Around 260 people were inside the venue at the time of the roof collapse, which caused beams, bricks, and debris to spill out onto State Street.

Officials say the Fire Department was at the scene almost immediately. Witnesses described the aftermath as “complete chaos.”

A 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Among those transported via ambulance to area hospitals were two people with life-threatening injuries, two with severe injuries, 18 with moderate injuries and five with minor injuries, according to ABC News. 

The Apollo Theatre, which was built more than 100 years ago, and a building nearby have been condemned due to the damage.

On Saturday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a Disaster Proclamation for Boone County and four other counties across the state that were affected by the severe storms.

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has extensive experience successfully handling premises liability and personal injury cases in Boone County and throughout Illinois. In 2020, a Salvi Law trial team obtained a record-breaking $9 million jury verdict in Boone County Illinois.

If you or a loved one was injured in the Apollo Theatre roof collapse, or any other Boone County incident, contact our firm to learn more about your legal rights and how we may be able to help with your case. We know how dangerous conditions can cause people to suffer severe, life-changing injuries. Click here to learn more about our firm’s premises liability expertise.