A large tent collapsed during a Virginia church’s 20th anniversary celebration on Friday night, killing one person and injuring 22 others, officials said.
Heavy rain, lightning and strong winds tore through Moneta, a small community about 124 miles (200 kilometers) southwest of Richmond, as the EastLake Community Church was holding its outdoor service, according to Shelley Basinger, a spokesperson for Bedford County.
The group was in the process of leaving the tent when it collapsed, according to Abbey Johnston, acting chief of Bedford County Fire and Rescue
Eleven people were taken to the hospital and 11 others had minor injuries and were treated at the scene, Basinger said.
“Initially, I’m told it was a very chaotic scene, trying to account for the individuals,” Johnston told reporters.
Officials rushed to rescue everyone inside the tent behind the church and move them to safety as the strong thunderstorm raged on, she said.
The non-denominational church said in a statement that severe weather caused the tent to fail.
“We would appreciate your prayers and your patience as we navigate this situation. We are trusting in the Lord for his care, strength, and help,” the statement said. The event was supposed to feature food, a concert and services.
The tent had seating for 1,500 people, according to officials, but it was not immediately clear how many were inside when it collapsed.
No details were provided about the conditions of the people in the hospital.
Officials are gathering evidence as they investigate the collapse, Johnston said.
The tent had passed an inspection by the county’s building inspections division three days earlier, according to Basinger.
U.S. Rep. John McGuire, who represents Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, said he is heartbroken about what happened and his office is monitoring the situation.
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