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Very Real

Fans Injured At Backstreet Boys Concert In Oklahoma After Storm Hits

“I thought I was gonna die right there and I was just praying to God to get us all out,” said one fan about her harrowing ordeal.

By Sharon Lynn Pruitt

More than a dozen fans were injured at a Backstreet Boys concert over the weekend after stormy winds knocked over structures at the venue’s entrance.

The group was scheduled to perform alongside fellow 90s boy band 98 Degrees at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackersville, Oklahoma on Saturday when heavy rain and winds reaching up to 80 mph hit, according to CBS News. Casino officials told the outlet that they’d begun evacuating the outdoor venue because of the weather, but around 150 were people were still waiting in line when the worst of the storm hit, knocking down trusses at the entrance and sending 14 people to the hospital.

“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,” the casino said in a statement obtained by CBS.

Oklahoma resident Rhonda Dunn was one of the 14 fans who were injured on Saturday, and recounted the experience during an emotional interview with TMZ.

“All I saw was the large scaffolding coming down and all I remember after that is that it collapsed on top of my head and I was trapped underneath it, and my back, and there were several people screaming for help, including myself,” she said.

“I thought I was gonna die right there and I was just praying to God to get us all out,” she said later.

The Backstreet Boys addressed the situation via a statement on their official Twitter account on Saturday, announcing that they would “attempt to reschedule” the show.

“The most important thing is for everyone to get home safely and we will see you all very soon!” the tweet continued.

98 Degrees also addressed the concert’s cancellation, writing on Twitter, “We are disappointed that tonight’s show was cancelled due to the inclement weather. We know many of you traveled to be here today. Sending you all our love and hope to see you soon.”

[Photo: Howie D., Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, and Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys perform on ABC’s “Good Morning America” at SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park on July 13, 2018 in New York City. By Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]