Fair investigation: Who knew what about weather?

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - When the state fair stage rigging collapsed in August, some called it an act of god. Others suggested human failures. Thursday, the report from Witt Associates laid out a timeline that gave a clearer picture of what really happened.

The evidence is clear in the timeline of decisions made.

At 7:04 p.m. Ray Allison, public safety and logistics director for the Fair, began alerting staff of the weather threat. However, said Kenneth Mallette, Witt Associates: “It should be noted that only key Fair staff members were on the system, and no public safety or contractors received any weather updates from Mr. Allison.”

This means that no Indiana State Police, Sugarland representatives or anyone else was receiving this information. He also sent subsequent messages to the same group.

“At 8 p.m., Excutive Director [Cindy] Hoye met with senior members of her staff to discuss the possibility of delaying the start of the Sugarland act,” Mallette said.

No one from public safety was in that meeting.

“Executive Director Hoye, after consultation with staff, wanted to delay the show,” Mallette said.

According to Witt Associates’ findings, Helen Rollens, Sugarland's tour manager, was informed of this decision at 8:10 p.m., but replied that it was only rain, and the band would play in the rain.

At 8:20 p.m., in a subsequent conversation, Rollens confirmed again that the band wanted to play beginning in a half hour. Hoye reportedly agreed.

At 8:30 p.m., Hoye encountered Capt. Brad Weaver of Indiana State Police. Weaver recommended shutting the show down.

In the report, it's unclear what took place during the next nine minutes. But this is very clear and crucial: At 8:39 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Indianapolis. This warning was not relayed to a large number of the key players, including Hoye, Weaver and Rollens.

At 8:45 p.m., Hoye told Bob Richards of WLHK Radio to make an announcement letting the crowd know that the show is going to go on. Weaver, expecting an evacuation and confused by that announcement tells Hoye evacuation should be ordered immediately.

“Before they got to make the announcement the structure collapsed,” Mallette said.