By CARRIE SCHEDLER
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Country duo Sugarland says it is devastated that people "want to point fingers and try to sensationalize" an Aug. 13 stage collapse that killed seven people and injured 58 before the band's show at the Indiana State Fair.
The band issued a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday after its attorneys responded to a lawsuit by saying that injuries to fans were at least partly "their own fault."
Sugarland manager Gail Gellman said fans are "the single most important thing" to the duo.
The collapse occurred when high winds toppled rigging holding lighting and other equipment.
The band's attorneys call the winds an "act of God" and say fair officials and Mid-America Sound Corp. were responsible for the stage setup.
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Previous Stories:
- Feb. 21, 2012: Sugarland attorney blames fans for state fair injuries
- Nov. 8, 2011: 48 Ind. fair victims sue Sugarland over collapse
- Nov. 8, 2011: Sugarland singer says she wept after Ind. collapse
- Oct. 7, 2011: Sugarland plans Indiana collapse benefit concert
- Aug. 15, 2011: Local fair boards look at policies after Indiana fair tragedy
- Aug. 15, 2011: Safety questions loom over Indiana stage collapse
- Aug. 15, 2011: Sugarland likely saved by tour manager's decision
- Aug. 14, 2011: Strong wind topples stage at Ind. fair, killing 5
- Aug. 14, 2011: Governor: Wind gust that fell Ind. stage a 'fluke'
- Aug. 13, 2011: Stage collapse kills 4 ahead of Sugarland concert
