One dead, 11 injured after tent collapse at Virginia church event
A large tent at a Bedford County church in Moneta collapsed during high winds, killing one person and sending 11 others to hospitals.
A commercial tent used for a family-focused event at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, collapsed around 6:45 p.m. Friday as strong winds swept the area. Acting fire and rescue chief Abbey Johnston said the pastor was in the process of evacuating the 1,500-seat tent when it gave way, describing the incident as happening "very quickly."
Johnston reported that 11 people were transported to hospitals while another 11 received on-scene treatment and were released. She added that the tent had been properly secured and that fire personnel from a neighboring department responded promptly to assist attendees.
The event, part of a week-long celebration, featured food, a service and water activities for children. Pastor Troy Keaton posted on Facebook that the congregation was dealing with a fatal injury and multiple injuries, and that the church was focusing on caring for those affected.
Virginia was under a severe thunderstorm watch at the time, with officials attributing the collapse to the high winds that accompanied the storm.
