(Cover) - EN Showbiz - The Indiana State Fair reopened on Monday with a public memorial service for five people who were killed when a concert stage collapsed.

The grounds were closed on Saturday night following the unfortunate accident, which happened shortly before the country music duo Sugarland, comprising of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, took to the stage to perform.

Strong winds caused the staging of the outdoor concert to crash to the ground, killing five audience members and injuring another four dozen.

Indiana's first lady Cheri Daniels spoke at the event and paid her respects to the lives that were lost in the tragic incident.

"While we will never forget this horrific event and those who perished, may we Hoosiers find the courage to unify, rebuild and re-emerge with a stronger heart," she said.

Audience members at the service also paid their respects to the victims with a moment of silence. They also sang Amazing Grace in their honour.

Nettles posted a lengthy statement on the group's website on Sunday, saying "there are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity."

"There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the bereft, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared or safe. A piece of our heart is left in that grandstand.

"We wish to pass along our most sincere thanks for the messages of love, prayer and support from our fan family. We'll post any further updates here as they become available," she continued.

Sugarland are currently on tour with Sara Bareilles. The singer took to her personal site to express her shock at the freak accident.

"The accident at the Indiana State Fair felt like a bad dream," she wrote on her site. "The weather changed in a matter of minutes and the stage collapsed in a matter of seconds."

Forecasters had warned of heavy rain and strong winds hours before the concert took place, according to USA Today.

The three women and two men who died were named as Tammy Vandam, 42, Glenn Goodrich, 49, Alina Bigjohny, 23, Christina Santiago, 29 and Nathan Byrd, 51. (C) Cover Media