Music

Backstreet Boys concert cancelled as structure falls on fans waiting at venue, injuring 14

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The boys have vowed to be back, alright? (Picture: Getty Images)

At least 14 people have been injured at a Backstreet Boys concert in Oklahoma.

The boyband were forced to cancel the performance, alongside fellow group 98 Degress, to be held at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, on Saturday night after a storm hit the area and fans waiting at the venue were hurt when trusses at the entrance collapsed due to the high winds.

Before the gig, band member Kevin Richardson tweeted they were expecting 12,000 punters at the sold out performance.

A spokesperson for the venue, Kym Koch Thompson, confirmed the harsh weather caused the damage at the outdoor concert.

The boys are back to performing (Picture: Getty)

They told Entertainment Tonight: At 5pm, WinStar World Casino and Resort officials began evacuation of the outdoor concert venue after observing that lightning was within four miles of the casino.

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However, Thompson added there were about 150 patrons who allegedly didnt seek shelter after requested.

All patrons in the area were asked to move and to seek shelter from the storm. However, about 150 patrons who were standing in line for the Backstreet Boys concert did not heed staffs warnings.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., the storm hit and knocked over the concert entrance trusses with 70-80 mile an hour winds and heavy rain. 14 people were treated at the scene and then transported to local hospitals. Two have already been released. Love County emergency responders, Lighthorse Police and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are on scene.

We know that fans often suffer through inclement weather for their favorite acts, but this was an unusual event and our thoughts are with those who were injured during this storm. (sic)

One fan at the event explained on social media Hundreds of Backstreet Boys fans were playing chicken with the weather as she described the scene.

Linda Tesfatsion wrote: Hundreds of Backstreet Boys fans playing chicken with an Oklahoma storm right now. Giant metal entrance structure, portable toilets, blew over. A handful of people left in ambulances.

The 90s group, made up of Richardson, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough all confirmed the gig was cancelled.

Their statement read: We never want to put our fans in harms way and with tonights weather and the injuries from earlier, we have decided to cancel the show and will attempt to reschedule. The most important thing is for everyone to get home safely and we will see you all very soon!

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As news spread the gig wasnt going ahead following the storm, and fans were injured, the band took to their respective accounts to wish all well.

Howie shared: So sad as I was really excited for us to rock Oklahoma tonight. Instead the weather did its own pre show performance and showed us all up. Hope everyones ok and safe (sic).

Update… unfortunately, due to damage sustained in the storm earlier this evening, we are unable to perform the show tonight. Safety is always #1. Keep your tickets because, Backstreet WILL BE BACK! ✌?❤

— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) August 19, 2018

Nick tweeted before the gig: Waiting and praying for our fans that were injured. If we can perform were ready to go. But safety is first.

AJ wrote: Oklahoma we love you. Travel home safely tonight. We will be back soon!

Brian Littrell also vowed to play the show at a later date.

He tweeted: …weather wasnt are friend tonight…. keep your tics cause Backstreet will be Back…(sic).

98 Degrees shared their own statement as they wrote on social media: We are disappointed that tonights show was cancelled due to the inclement weather.

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We know many of you traveled to be here today. Sending you all our love and hope to see you soon (sic).

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