quasigeostrophy | Science: It Works

I have changed my mind somewhat. New data – sometimes it can do that. After two blog posts about the Indiana State Fair stage incident (and I hope this will be the last one I make), I have seen some information I had not seen before that presumably has come out in the investigation of the incident.

Apparently the timeline released at Sunday morning’s press conference was not the full story with regard to announcements and warnings. According to a recent story in The Indianapolis Star and other sources, when the warning was issued, it was *not* announced when the information about buildings available for shelter was given, rather the crowd was reassured that Sugarland would be on stage shortly.

Also, apparently the Indiana State Police is leading the investigation. I have a problem with that – they need to bring in an independent agency.

I stand by my meteorological discussion in my last post – the specific gust was not as predictable as some claim, but under such a warning it was a definite possibility. I also stand by my assertion that adults are responsible for their own safety, but they do need the most accurate information to be able to do that, and if the warning was not at least communicated, that’s a mistake on behalf of the Indiana State Fair and/or the concert organizers. Whether or not they should have called for a mandatory evacuation, they should have passed on the warning and held off the start of the show. I don’t think they should be held legally responsible, because currently nothing is in place. Procedures, and quite possibly regulations for same, need to be developed and/or updated. As for civil liability for anyone injured or killed, well, I am not a lawyer, but I can see several getting involved as this investigation and recovery proceeds.

Originally published at Abnormality Locality. You can comment here or there.