Pastor Troy Keaton of EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, said his church family was grieving after one person died and more than 20 others were injured when a burst of wind lifted a tent during an outdoor 20th-anniversary service.
The collapse happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday during an outdoor service, and a severe storm cell had moved through the area with heavy rain, lightning and strong winds before the tent structure failed, according to a statement by Bedford County, Virginia.
Eleven people were taken by ambulance to local hospitals, and 11 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries. One person died at the scene.
Bedford 911 Emergency Communications received the initial report and classified the incident as a mass casualty event.
First responders from Moneta Volunteer Fire Department were already at the event and began rescue efforts immediately, while emergency personnel and resources from neighboring localities also responded, according to the county’s statement.
The tent had passed an inspection by the Bedford County Division of Building Inspections last Tuesday.
County officials extended condolences to the church community and thanked local and regional first responders for their work.
The release linked the failure to weather conditions, saying the storm cell brought heavy rain, lightning and strong winds before the tent failed.
Keaton said he had just walked to the stage to release people to their cars when a burst of wind picked up the tent. He called the collapse a great tragedy for the church family.
Several people were transported to hospitals, and the church was focused on caring and praying for them, Keaton said.
One member of the church community suffered a fatal injury, Keaton said. “Our hearts are broken for his precious family,” he said, as quoted by KHOU 11.
Keaton also thanked first responders who were serving the church that night. He said the church would have more to say at an appropriate time.
In a video message, Keaton said the tragedy came amid what had been a celebration of 20 incredible years of God’s work. He said Sunday services would continue as planned as a service of “hope and healing.”
“We need to be together,” he said in the video. “Be encouraged; we are Christians.”
The person who died has not been identified.
Deputy Chief Abby Johnson of Bedford County Fire and Rescue said Keaton had begun trying to evacuate the service after noticing changes in the weather. She said the pastor was in the process of clearing the event and the tent when it collapsed, and people didn’t have enough time.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger offered condolences. “My heart is heavy with the news of the tragedy at EastLake Community Church this evening,” the governor said in a statement.
Spanberger praised the quick response by first responders and said her team was in contact with the response team on the ground to provide assistance.
Spanberger added she was praying for the church and all those affected.
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