A large tent collapsed during a church’s 20th anniversary celebration in Virginia on Friday evening, killing one person and injuring nearly two dozen others, officials said.
Heavy rain, lightning and strong winds tore through Moneta, a small community about 124 miles (200 kilometers) southwest of Richmond, while Eastlake Community Church was holding an outdoor service, Bedford County spokeswoman Shelley Basinger said in a statement. The group was on its way to leave the event tent when it collapsed, according to Abi Johnston, acting chief of the Bedford County Fire and Rescue Department.
Basinger said 11 people were taken to hospital and 11 others sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
“Initially, I was told the scene was very chaotic, trying to identify individuals,” Johnston told reporters.
She added that officials rushed to rescue everyone who was inside the tent behind the church and move them to a safe place as the strong thunderstorm raged.
Troy Keaton, senior pastor of the nondenominational church, said he had just stepped to the podium to tell the group to go to their cars when a gust of wind blew over the tent.
“Unfortunately, one of our dear brothers was fatally injured,” he said in a statement on social media. “Our hearts are broken for his honorable family.”
The tent could accommodate 1,500 people, according to officials, but it was not immediately clear how many people were inside when it collapsed.
No details were provided about the conditions of those in the hospital.
Johnston said officials are gathering evidence as they investigate the collapse.
The tent passed an inspection by the county building inspection division three days ago, according to Basinger.
Governor Abigail Spanberger said her team was in close contact with response staff on the ground.
“I pray for Eastlake Community Church and all those affected, and we will continue to support the community during this difficult time,” she said in a statement on social media.