A large outdoor tent collapsed during a storm at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, on June 12, killing one person and injuring 22 others as heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds moved through the region.
By 6:45 p.m. ET on June 12, the anniversary celebration at EastLake Community Church in Moneta had shifted from fellowship to an emergency. A large outdoor tent “catastrophically failed” and collapsed in severe weather, leaving one person dead and 22 others injured, officials said.
The collapse struck as EastLake Community Church marked its 20th anniversary celebration. in a community in Bedford County with fewer than 500 residents near Roanoke. Bedford County officials said the failure occurred during a severe storm that brought heavy rain. lightning. and strong winds. with the area under a severe thunderstorm watch at the time.
The National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, Virginia warned of hail, lightning, and wind gusts up to 70 mph. Bedford County said the “weather conditions caused the tent structure to fail.”
Pastor Troy Keaton said the tent was picked up by a “burst of wind” right as he had walked up on stage to “release people to their cars.” Bedford County’s chief fire and rescue officer. Abbey Johnston. said the pastor was in the process of evacuating people from the tent because of changes in the weather.
Johnston said the Moneta fire chief was on scene when the tent failed and quickly began rescue efforts. She described the scene as chaotic, saying she was “told it was a very chaotic scene trying to account for individuals.”
Officials said the tent had passed county inspection just days earlier. Johnston said the roughly 21,000-square-foot rented tent had a capacity of 1,500 people and had been “properly secured.”
Bedford County said one person died at the scene. It said 11 victims were taken to hospitals by ambulance for treatment and 11 more were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The county did not release victims’ identities.
Keaton told the congregation the tragedy followed the celebration. “Our church family suffered a great tragedy tonight after an outdoor tent collapsed during a celebration service for our 20th anniversary. ” he said. “Sadly one of our dear brothers suffered a fatal injury. Our hearts are broken for his precious family.”.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she was grateful for the quick response from first responders. “I am praying for the EastLake Community Church and all who are impacted, and we will continue to support the community during this difficult time,” she said.
Virginia church tent collapse Moneta Bedford County severe storm cell EastLake Community Church Troy Keaton Abbey Johnston severe thunderstorm watch wind gusts 70 mph first responders