Father, Daughter Killed In NH Tent Collapse
LANCASTER, N.H. (CBS/AP) — The two people who were killed when a circus tent collapsed during a storm were a father and daughter.
Bob Young, 41, and his 8-year-old daughter Annabelle Young, both of Concord, Vt., died in the collapse.
"Our hearts remain heavy following the tragedy yesterday in Lancaster, and it is deeply saddening that a father and daughter lost their lives at what was meant to be a fun, family event," NH Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a public statement. "I have been in contact with Governor Shumlin to offer the full support of the Granite State to our neighbors to the west."
More than 30 people were transported to area hospitals.
They are also talking to survivors and witnesses and looking at how the tent was put up at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, which is about 90 miles north of the capital of Concord.
Fire Marshal William Degnan said it was the first time his agency had investigated a tent collapse. He asked that anyone with images or video of the event to contact his office.
The storm, packing 60 mph wind gusts and hail, blew through around 5:30 p.m. Monday, just as the first of two scheduled shows was beginning.
Degnan said about 100 people were inside the tent at the time.
The circus operator, Sarasota, Florida-based Walker International Events, did not return a call seeking comment late Monday. The circus was scheduled to head to Bradford, Vermont, for shows on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the area during the time of the collapse, but Degnan couldn't immediately say if the spectators were aware of the storm's strength.
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