Stage manager killed in fireworks explosion at Palo Duro Canyon

Provided by KFDA Amarillo

Canyon, TX - A young woman has died after an explosion Friday evening at Palo Duro Canyon.

The Randall County Sheriff's Office said fireworks being stored for the musical drama TEXAS malfunctioned and exploded near the amphitheater just before 6 p.m. The blast killed 21-year-old stage manager, Peyton Trueblood.

Authorities are investigating what exactly caused the explosion and are not releasing the name of the victim at this time.

The explosion sent a mushroom-like cloud into the air and triggered a number of small grass fires near the stage. Fire crews were able to extinguish those fires before they spread.

Palo Duro Canyon was evacuated shortly after the explosion, but the park is now open. Friday's performance of TEXAS was cancelled and there is no word yet on its schedule for the rest of the weekend.

This is the second tragedy to strike the cast of TEXAS in recent years. In 2013, five cast members were killed in a car accident.