One person has been killed and 22 worshippers injured after a tent suddenly collapsed during an outdoor church service in Moneta, Virginia. The incident occurred on Friday evening when a freak storm brought strong winds, rain, and lightning to the area.
Storm strikes during anniversary service
East Lake Community Church was celebrating its 20th anniversary with an outdoor service when the weather turned severe around 6:45 p.m. The large tent gave way under the force of the wind, leading to a chaotic scene. The deceased was identified as 85-year-old Bob Stouffer, a longtime member of the congregation.
Lead pastor Troy Keaton described the sequence of events: the service began with 30 minutes of music, but the storm moved in quickly. "We recognised that a storm was coming. We sent the kids in and started the first song. About halfway through the first song, I grabbed the microphone and went on stage and was preparing to dismiss the crowd to their cars, and in a matter of five seconds, the tent was gone," he said.
Tribute to the victim
Keaton paid tribute to Stouffer, calling him "one of the most remarkable men, and that's not hyperbole, that I've ever known." He added that Stouffer had recently moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to family but returned for the anniversary event. "What a remarkable man of God whose legacy will carry on. We are praying for his wife Nancy and their entire family. We are praying for the others who are still being treated tonight. We trust in a loving sovereign God who is always with us and who makes no mistakes," Keaton said.
Injuries and response
Twenty-two people were injured, with 11 taken to hospital for treatment. Abbey Johnston, acting chief of Bedford County Fire and Rescue, said the group was exiting the tent when it collapsed. "Initially, I'm told it was a very chaotic scene, trying to account for the individuals," she said in a press conference.
According to the county, the tent had passed an inspection by the building inspections division just three days before the collapse. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences: "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."
