Tent collapses during Virginia church celebration, killing 1 and injuring 22 | Virginia
A large tent collapsed during a Virginia church’s 20th anniversary celebration Friday evening, killing one person and injuring nearly two dozen others, authorities said.
Heavy rain, lightning and strong winds ripped through Moneta, a small community about 200 kilometers southwest of Richmond, as the EastLake community church held its outdoor service, Bedford County spokeswoman Shelley Basinger said in a statement. According to Bedford County Fire and Rescue Chief Abbey Johnston, the group was in the process of leaving the event tent when it collapsed.
Basinger said that 11 people were taken to the hospital, while 11 others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
“I was told initially that this was a very chaotic scene that was trying to explain individuals,” Johnston told reporters.
As the storm intensified, authorities rushed to rescue everyone in the tent behind the church and carry them to safety, he said.
Troy Keaton, senior pastor of the nondenominational church, said he went on stage to tell the group to get to their cars when a strong wind lifted the tent.
In his statement on social media, he said, “Unfortunately, one of our valuable brothers was seriously injured.” “We are heartbroken for his precious family.”
The tent had seating for 1,500 people, according to officials, but it was not immediately clear how many people were inside when the tent collapsed.
No detailed information was given about the health conditions of the people in the hospital.
Johnston said authorities were gathering evidence while investigating the collapse.
According to Basinger, the tent had passed inspection three days earlier by the county’s building inspection department.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger said her team is in close contact with the response team on the ground.
“I pray for EastLake Community Church and everyone affected, and we will continue to support the community during this difficult time,” he said in a statement on social media.
