One person died and 22 were injured after a tent collapsed during a church service in Virginia
Authorities attribute the incident to the passage of a storm with strong winds, intense rain and electrical activity.
One person was killed and 22 others were injured Friday night after a large tent set up for an outdoor church service at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, collapsed.
The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m., Bedford County authorities reported in an official statement reported by ABC News.
According to the preliminary balance, 11 people were transferred to area hospitals to receive medical attention, while another 11 were treated at the scene for injuries considered minor.
Authorities attributed the collapse of the structure to the passage of a severe storm cell that affected the area minutes before the accident.
"Prior to the collapse, an intense storm passed through the area, causing heavy rain, lightning, and gusts of wind. These weather conditions caused the tent structure to fail," the county said in its report.
The church celebrated its anniversary
The congregation's pastor, Troy Keaton, explained in a message posted on social media that the event coincided with the church's twentieth anniversary.
According to him, the accident occurred when he was preparing to conclude the activity.
“Just as I had gone on stage to ask people to return to their vehicles, a gust of wind lifted the tent,” he said.
The religious leader also confirmed that one of the attendees died as a result of the collapse.
"Unfortunately one of our beloved brothers suffered a fatal injury. Our hearts are broken for his precious family," he said.
So far, no details have been released about the identity of the victim or the updated status of the hospitalized people.
Authorities express solidarity
The governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, regretted what happened and assured that state authorities maintain coordination with the teams deployed on the ground.
"My heart is saddened by the news of the tragedy that occurred tonight at EastLake Community Church. I am grateful for the quick response of emergency teams and our team remains in contact with those responding to the situation to provide support," she said in a post.
Local authorities remain open to evaluating the incident while assisting those affected and supporting the religious community continue.