A planned concert featuring Louis Tomlinson at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver took a tumultuous turn as nearly 100 people were injured by a ferocious hailstorm that swept across the area, according to the West Metro Fire Department, Your Content has learned.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, leaving seven individuals with non-life-threatening injuries, who were subsequently taken to hospitals, as stated in a tweet by the fire department.
Additionally, around 90 people received on-site treatment for various injuries, including cuts and broken bones.
Eyewitness Bella Oliveira shared her harrowing experience, recounting how she narrowly escaped being trampled by seeking refuge near a drinks vendor.
Using her backpack as a shield, Oliveira managed to protect herself and another person, although she sustained injuries to her head and shoulder during the ordeal.
The National Weather Service office in Boulder issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the amphitheater at approximately 9:04 p.m. that evening.
The alert cautioned about the storm’s potential to generate winds reaching 50 mph and hailstones as large as golf balls.
Moments before the storm hit, the weather service office even tagged the amphitheater in a tweet, warning of the imminent dangerous weather conditions.
Earlier in the day, the Boulder weather service office had already forewarned the public about the possibility of severe weather, describing the situation as a “loaded gun” scenario with significant atmospheric instability that could lead to tumultuous weather throughout the evening.
The Storm Prediction Center had also classified Red Rocks as a level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” area for severe weather, while the nearby Denver area faced an enhanced risk at level 3 out of 5.
The forecast predicted damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes from the afternoon through the overnight hours.
In fact, Colorado witnessed six tornadoes during the evening, adding to the severe weather activity across the state.
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, scheduled to perform at the Red Rocks concert, expressed his devastation on Twitter.
Although the show did not take place, Tomlinson acknowledged the fans’ passion and assured them of his return.
The performance had already been postponed twice due to adverse weather conditions. Initially, fans were instructed to seek shelter in their cars until an “all clear” was given, prompting them to return to the venue.
However, the show was ultimately postponed again, and fans were advised to return home.
Meanwhile, the Storm Prediction Center documented a total of 11 tornado reports on Wednesday across various regions in the western and central United States.
In addition to the six tornadoes reported in Colorado, three were sighted in Texas, one in Wyoming, and another in Nebraska.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives in a northwestern Texas town struck by a tornado on the same day, as confirmed by Lubbock Fire Rescue through a social media post.
The National Weather Service office in Lubbock identified the affected town as Matador, located approximately 280 miles northwest of Dallas, according to CNN.