Photo: WSET
From our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET:
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — One person is dead and almost two dozen injured after a large tent collapsed at a church in Moneta Friday evening, according to Bedford County officials.
Eleven people were taken to a local hospital, while another 11 were treated and released on scene, fire officials said during a press conference at the scene.
One person died at the scene; they have not yet been identified.
Officials believe a strong gust of wind caused the collapse.
In a press release, county officials say the tent had passed an inspection by the Bedford County Division of Building Inspections on Tuesday, June 9.
The tent was up at the Eastlake Community Church on Timberwood Lane, as part of a service celebrating the church's 20th anniversary.
Pastor Troy Keaton said in a statement that he had just walked to the stage to release congregants to their cars when a burst of wind picked up the tent.
"Sadly one of our dear brothers suffered a fatal injury," Keaton said. "Our hearts are broken for his precious family."
Keaton added that the church would provide more information "at an appropriate time."
Earlier in the evening, the church posted on Facebook that "a severe weather incident caused a failure of an outdoor tent" during a service.
For more on this developing story, please visit our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.