Key facts
- A tent collapsed during a 20th-anniversary celebration at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia.
- One person died and 22 others were injured in the incident.
- Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds were present at the time of the collapse.
- Eleven people were hospitalized, and eleven others received on-site treatment for minor injuries.
- The tent had passed a county inspection three days before the collapse.
A large tent collapsed during a 20th-anniversary celebration at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, on Friday night, resulting in one fatality and 22 injuries. The incident occurred as attendees were leaving the tent amid severe weather, including heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
According to Shelley Basinger, a spokesperson for Bedford County, eleven individuals were transported to the hospital, while another eleven sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene. Abbey Johnston, acting chief of Bedford County Fire and Rescue, described the initial scene as chaotic, with emergency responders working to rescue and account for everyone inside the tent.
The non-denominational church issued a statement attributing the tent failure to severe weather and requested prayers and patience. The event was planned to include food, a concert, and services. Officials are investigating the collapse, and Johnston confirmed the tent had passed a county building inspection just three days prior.
U.S. Representative John McGuire, who represents Virginia's 5th Congressional District, expressed his sorrow and stated that his office is monitoring the situation.