Janet Jackson cancels show at tragedy-hit Indiana fair

WASHINGTON: Pop star Janet Jackson was forced to cancel a performance planned for Wednesday at the Indiana state fair, where the collapse of a stage over the weekend claimed the lives of five people.

"Due to the recent tragedy at the Indiana State Fair, officials have canceled all of the concerts that were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 17th, including JANET," the singer said in a statement, referring to the world concert tour that had planned a stop at the annual midwestern event.

On the day of the accident, the singer also known as the little sister of late pop icon Michael Jackson tweeted: "Heartbroken. Prayers and love to Indiana."

Award-winning country music group Lady Antebellum also canceled a show at the fair planned for August 19, after Sunday's mishap that injured about 40 concertgoers in addition to the dead.

"As a result of the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Indiana State Fair on August 13th, several bands have made the difficult decision to cancel their shows," Lady Antebellum said on its website.

"Lady A's appearance, which was scheduled for August 19th will no longer be taking place," the group said, offering to refund disappointed ticket holders.

"We were so sad to hear what happened and have kept the families of those injured and especially those that lost their lives in our prayers," the group's statement added.

The tragic accident struck late Sunday in the midwestern state when strong storm winds caused stage scaffolding to collapse just minutes before popular country music band Sugarland was to take the stage.

A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for Marion County, Indiana just minutes before the concert had been scheduled to begin.

The Indiana state fair, scheduled to run through August 21, was closed Sunday, with officials reopening their doors Monday with a service to honor the victims.

Virtually every US state hosts an outdoor fair, an extravaganza attended by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The seasonal festivals highlight the best of local agriculture, industry and other boast-worthy local accomplishments, as well as drawing top performing acts from the music world during the busy outdoor concert season.

Hit-making bands Maroon 5 said in a statement that it was relocating a concert scheduled at the fair for Thursday to another Indiana venue.

Maroon 5 said in a statement that all proceeds from its show would be donated to a fund established by the state to honor victims of the accident.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011