/ 8 November 2012

Linkin Park sends condolences after fan’s death

Linkin Park has conveyed its condolences to the family of the woman who died when a structure collapsed at its concert venue in Cape Town.
Linkin Park has conveyed its condolences to the family of the woman who died when a structure collapsed at its concert venue in Cape Town.

In a statement on its website, the band also distanced itself from the "sponsor or entity" which erected the structure.

"Following our performance … at Cape Town Stadium, we were advised that several people were injured as a result of the collapse of an advertising tower erected by Lucozade in the parking area outside the venue," the band said in its statement on the LP Blog.

"We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died as a result of her injuries … Though we have had no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans very seriously and our thoughts are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy."

City of Cape Town spokesperson Kylie Hatton said one person died of the injuries she sustained when temporary scaffolding collapsed in high winds at the concert.

The woman was said to have died after being taken to the nearby Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital.

Nineteen people were injured in the incident. Twelve of them had to be hospitalised.

Pre-approved
Hatton said the site had been secured for an investigation by the police, adding the city and event organisers would cooperate with the investigation.

The temporary structure was a branding activation and was located next to the stadium forecourt on the city centre side of the venue, and was pre-approved and certified as safe before the event.

Hatton said the investigation would include whether the approval procedures had been properly done.

She said she did not have permission yet from the woman's family to release her name.

Big Concerts, the organiser of the show, posted a message on its Facebook page expressing its "deepest sympathies and condolences" to the injured and to the woman who died.

"We would like to thank the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Services, and all the medics, doctors, and disaster risk personnel for their swift and professional response to this accident."

The band is scheduled to perform in Johannesburg on November 10. – Sapa