A pensioner has been killed and dozens more injured after a tent suddenly collapsed on worshippers at a church in Virginia. The freak storm broke out during an outdoor service to celebrate East Lake Community Church’s 20th anniversary.
Strong wind, rain, and lightning ripped through Moneta at around 6:45 p.m. on Friday, causing the large tent to give way. One person died in the chaotic incident, and 22 people were injured, 11 of whom were rushed to hospital.
The victim was identified as Bob Stouffer, 85, a regular churchgoer. Lead pastor Troy Keaton said the evening began with 30 minutes of opening music before the storm moved in quickly. “We recognized 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.
Paying tribute to Stouffer, Keaton added: “One of the most remarkable men, and that’s not hyperbole, that I’ve ever known. They had just moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to their family in their later years and came back for this 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.”
Abbey Johnston, acting chief of Bedford County Fire and Rescue, said the group was making its way out of the event tent when the structure 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 conducted by the county’s building inspections division three days before. Governor Abigail Spanberger said: “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.”
