One Crew Member Killed in Explosion at ‘Texas!’ Musical in Palo Duro Canyon
Friday night's performance of the musical "Texas!" in Palo Duro Canyon was cancelled after a crew member was killed in an explosion.
The Associated Press and KVII-TV report that a 21 year-old female stage manager was killed in a fireworks explosion. The stage manager was checking on fireworks inventory when two containers exploded just before 6 p.m.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and put out the fire, but KVII reported that some hot spots remained Friday night, forcing firefighters to remain on site through the night. Debris from the explosion was found up to 200 yards away from the blast.
The musical uses extensive pyrotechnics, including numerous fireworks for the Grand Finale.
The woman's identity has not been released pending notification of next-of-kin.
"Texas!" officials released the following statement on their Facebook page just after 1 a.m. Saturday morning:
There was a tragic accident prior to Friday night's show and the show was canceled. A member of our TEXAS family was killed. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family & loved ones. As of now, all remaining shows will continue as scheduled. For information regarding ticket exchanges or refunds, please contact the TEXAS Box Office at (806) 655-2181.
2015 is the 50th year of "Texas!" at Palo Duro Canyon and performances are scheduled through August 15. "Texas!" is the Official Musical of the State of Texas and over four million people have seen it in its history.