Tour Bus Lift Malfunction Causes Fatal Accident, Squeeze's Virginia Show Abruptly Cancelled
Squeeze was originally scheduled to perform at Wolf Trap in Virginia on September 3, but the show was urgently cancelled before it began after a tour crew member was crushed to death by a bus being lifted. The band and venue have both issued statements of condolence.
Hours before showtime, an accident occurred in the parking lot of Wolf Trap National Park For The Performing Arts: a tour crew member working on a bus was killed instantly when the lift device supporting the vehicle malfunctioned, causing the bus to collapse on top of him. The accident took place on September 3, the same day Squeeze was scheduled to perform in Vienna, Virginia, as part of a tour with Adam Ant and Haircut 100.
The band issued a statement on social media saying they were "deeply saddened and shocked" by the accident that occurred at the venue. They wrote that after discussions with the venue and relevant parties, they decided to cancel that night's show. The statement also mentioned they would discuss the possibility of rescheduling with promoters and the venue, and would notify ticket holders once further information was available, adding, "our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic event."
According to Fox 5, police said the accident was caused by a mechanical failure in the equipment supporting the bus, and the victim was a member of the tour's road crew. The venue also issued a statement confirming, "An accident occurred today at Wolf Trap National Park involving a member of our community, tragically resulting in one fatality. Out of respect, tonight's performance has been cancelled."
The abruptly cancelled show was one stop on Squeeze's U.S. tour. The tour was originally set to continue in Ohio the following day, September 4, with subsequent stops including Illinois, Colorado, Utah, and California. After wrapping up the U.S. leg, the band will embark on a UK tour with Billy Bragg in November and December, kicking off at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, with a stop at The O2 in London on November 26.
As of now, neither Squeeze nor the venue has announced whether the Virginia show will be rescheduled, or provided details of a new date if so.
