New Reports on Ottawa Bluesfest Staging Collapse Cite Choice of Fabric Wall Ties as Key Risk Factor

PLSN: Although Ontario Ministry of Labor officials issued a report earlier this year finding no evidence of structural defects that led to the July 18, 2011 collapse of the overhead stage structure during a Cheap Trick performance at the Ottawa Bluesfest, newly-published details cite the crew’s inability to quickly cut ties securing the structure’s fabric walls as a key factor contributing to wind loads on the structure as the storm hit the area.