A rock performance at a venue in Virginia was canceled Thursday after a man working on a tour bus in a nearby parking lot was crushed underneath it hours before the show, according to authorities.
U.S. Park Police told FOX 5 DC they responded to the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts at 5 p.m.
The English rock band “Squeeze” was scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. that night.
The worker was under the tour bus when officers arrived. Park Police said a supporting apparatus failed, causing the bus to come down on 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.
