A scheduled rock concert in Virginia was called off Thursday after a fatal accident in a parking lot near the venue, where authorities say a man working beneath a tour bus was crushed just hours before showtime.
U.S. Park Police told FOX 5 DC that officers were dispatched to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts around 5 p.m.
English rock band Squeeze had been set to take the stage at the venue at 7:30 p.m. that evening.
When officers arrived, the worker was still underneath the tour bus, Park Police said. Investigators said a support device apparently failed, causing the vehicle to fall onto him.
“There was an accident involving a member of the community at Wolf Trap National Park,” the venue said in a social media post. “Out of respect, tonight’s show has been canceled.”
“Squeeze are deeply saddened and shocked by an incident that occurred at the venue earlier today, which resulted in the loss of a life,” the band said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
“We will work with the promoter and venue regarding the possibility of rescheduling the show and will communicate further information to ticket holders as soon as it is available.”
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic event.”
The worker’s identity has not been released by Park Police.
News of the accident prompted some fans to leave, but many lingered in the parking lot, shaken by the death of the worker.
“It was horrible when we found out that happened,” Debbie Daniel told FOX 5 DC. “We saw the emergency vehicles come in, figured something serious had happened because there was like 15 or more vehicles. But, yeah, it was very tragic.”
Eric Anderson, another fan, empathized with the man’s colleagues and agreed with the decision to cancel the show.
“Especially from what we’re starting to understand about the circumstances, the show can’t go on. And we understand that,” Anderson said.
