This is some really tragic news out of Virginia where East Lake Community Church in Bedford County was celebrating their 20th anniversary by hosting an outdoor service.
The weather had turned pretty nasty and just a few minutes into the service, according to sources, the pastor at East Lake had decided to end the event early and let people head home because of the severe conditions.
Here's the latest from ABC News:
Officials in Virginia say one person is dead and 22 others hurt after a large tent collapsed during an outdoor church service Friday evening.
It happened at the East Lake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia, at about 6:45 p.m. local time, according to a press release from Bedford County, Virginia.
Of the injured, 11 were taken to local hospitals and 11 others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to the county.
County officials said the tent collapsed after a round of severe weather.
The tent had reportedly passed all inspections earlier in the week, but the severity of the weather was more than the structure could withstand.
Fox 5 DC reporter Allison Papson posted this statement from the pastor of East Lake, Troy Keaton:
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 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.
HB Charles, an evangelist who was preaching at the event, posted on his X account that the deceased was one of the elders at East Lake.
This family, church, and community need our prayers right now.
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