One person is dead and more than 22 others were injured after a tent collapsed during a church’s outdoor service.
Eastlake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, was celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of outdoor services. The events were designed as a “bold community gathering” to “celebrate God’s amazing work and to experience spiritual renewal,’ with more than 1,000 people in attendance.
On Friday, which was attended by music group The Craguns and prominent preacher HB Charles Jr, a sudden, violent storm cell hit the area and caused the large tent they had erected to collapse.
According to WDBJ news, “the tent had passed an inspection conducted by the Bedford County Division of Building Inspections on Tuesday, June 9.”
One church member died from his injuries, and another two dozen people were injured. Eleven of the injured were transported by ambulance and hospitalized, some with very serious injuries.
Bob Stouffer, who passed away, was a beloved brother who was “intricately involved in almost every major decision over the past 20 years” at the church. The church held a celebration for him mere weeks ago, giving him honor as he and his wife Nancy prepared to move to Pennsylvania.
In a statement to the church, Pastor Troy Kenton shared on social media:
Our church family suffered a great tragedy tonight after an outdoor tent collapsed during a celebration service for our 20th anniversary. Just as I had walked to the stage to release the people to their cars a burst of wind picked up the tent. There were several people transported to local hospitals and we are currently focused on caring and praying for them. We do not have details on their condition.
Sadly one of our dear brothers suffered a fatal injury. Our hearts are broken for his precious family. We are grateful for all the first responders who are serving us tonight. We will have more to say at an appropriate time
