Tent Collapse at Bedford County Church Leaves One Dead, 22 Injured
A large tent at Eastlake Community Church in Moneta collapsed after strong winds, killing one person and injuring 22 others, officials said.
A tent used for a 20th-anniversary service at Eastlake Community Church in Moneta collapsed Friday evening, killing one individual and injuring 22 others, Bedford County officials reported. Eleven of the injured were transported to a local hospital, while another eleven received treatment at the scene and were released.
County fire officials said a strong gust of wind is believed to have caused the structure to give way. The tent had passed a Bedford County Division of Building Inspections review on June 9.
"One person died at the scene; they have not yet been identified," officials said during a press conference.
Pastor Troy Keaton said he was walking to the stage when the wind lifted the tent. He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said the church would release further information when appropriate.
The church’s earlier Facebook post described the incident as a "severe weather incident" that caused the outdoor tent to fail and asked for prayers and patience while the situation was addressed.
