Virginia church tent collapse kills one, injures 22

One person was killed and 22 others were injured Friday evening when a large tent collapsed during an outdoor service at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. as the church was celebrating its 20th anniversary.

According to Bedford County officials, the collapse was caused by a severe thunderstorm that moved through the area, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and damaging winds. Eleven people were transported to local hospitals by ambulance, while another eleven were treated at the scene for minor injuries. One person died at the scene. Officials have not released details on the conditions of those hospitalized.

Acting Bedford County Fire and Rescue Chief Abbey Johnston described the scene as initially chaotic as first responders worked to account for all individuals and move them to safety. The group was in the process of leaving the tent when the structure failed. The tent, which had seating for 1,500 people, had passed an inspection by the Bedford County Division of Building Inspections just three days earlier, on Tuesday, June 9.

In a statement on social media, church pastor Troy Keaton said the church family had suffered a great...