( CNN ) -- A massive gust of wind brought down a stage at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday night , killing at least four and injuring 24 , officials said . Authorities said they feared more casualties . `` A big gust of wind came through . You could see a lot of people panicking . All the scaffolding and speakers -- all that came crashing down -- and the whole stand just collapsed , '' said Aaron Richman , who witnessed the collapse at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis . The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety posted on its Twitter page the death toll and said that 24 people had been taken to area hospitals . Two local hospitals placed the number of injured at 43 , including some walk-in patients . Capt . Brad Weaver , commander of special operations for the Indiana State Police , said he took the stage at 8:45 p.m. to warn the audience of severe weather . Ten minutes later , the wind gust blew through . He said he `` saw the framework from the stage start to come over . '' He said he and others took cover behind a trailer , which was also struck by debris from the stage . Sara Bareilles had finished her set at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand stage when the wind knocked down the rigging on to the stage . `` I 'm speechless and feel so helpless , '' Bareilles said on her Twitter page . `` My heart aches for the lives lost . '' The show 's headliners , country music duo Sugarland , was to take the stage next . `` We are stunned and heartbroken for the fans and their families in Indiana . '' said Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles . `` We hold those injured in our prayers at this very sad time . There are no words . It is tragic . '' The official Twitter page of the Indiana State Fair said officials would make announcements `` as they come . ''
NEW : Shortly before the show , police warned the audience of severe damage . At least 24 people are injured , and some say the death toll will rise . ` ` We are all right . We are praying for our fans , '' tweets Madonna . A witness says he saw some people trapped .