No Structural Defects Found in 2011 Ottawa Bluesfest Stage Collapse

OTTAWA, Canada – Ontario Ministry of Labor authorities have concluded their investigation of the July 18, 2011 stage collapse of a Groupe Berger-made staging structure during a Cheap Trick performance that injured three people, and determined that there was no evidence of structural issues contributing to the collapse. Instead, the blame for the incident was put on freakish weather, and no individuals or companies are being charged with wrongdoing.

Groupe Berger’s Stéphane Berger expressed relief with the findings and reaffirmed the company’s efforts to provide structures that will withstand stronger winds. “We will always remember this event and will use it to prevent other events” from happening.”

Organizers for the 2012 Bluesfest have reinforced the main stage with 308,000 pounds of concrete ballast — more than 100,000 pounds more than what is normally deemed sufficient. They have also re-oriented the position of the stage in hopes of cutting potential wind resistance, and they hired engineers to inspect all six stages and meteorologists to monitor the weather during events as an extra precaution.

This year’s Bluesfest, now known as the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest, runs from July 4-15, with headliners including Tiesto, LMFAO, City and Colour, Iron Maiden, Norah Jones, Nickelback, Snoop Dogg, Bad Religion, John Mellencamp, Blue Rodeo, Skrillex and Metric.