MONETA — One person died and 22 others were injured after a tent collapsed during EastLake Community Church's 20th-anniversary celebration in Moneta, Virginia, on Friday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. outside of the church.

Eleven individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Additionally, 11 people received treatment for minor injuries at the scene and were subsequently released. Bedford County officials classified the incident as a mass casualty incident.

Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds caused the tent structure to fail. Acting Bedford County Fire and Rescue Chief Abbey Johnston said, "The tent collapsed as a result of, we believe, the winds that came through." Most of Virginia was under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. on Friday.

Senior Pastor Troy Keaton said, "Our church family suffered a great tragedy tonight after an outdoor tent collapsed during a celebration service for our 20th anniversary." He said, "Just as I had walked to the stage to release people to their cars a burst of wind picked up the tent."

"Initially, I'm told it was a very chaotic scene, trying to account for individuals," Johnston said. She added, "It happened very quickly."

The commercial tent had undergone a building inspection by the Bedford County Division of Building Inspections on Tuesday and passed. The tent had a seating capacity for 1,500 people, but officials have not confirmed how many people were inside when the collapse occurred. EastLake Community Church posted, "First responders are on site providing care to those in need. We would appreciate your prayers and your patience as we navigate this situation." Emergency responders are gathering evidence to investigate the incident. Moneta is a community of about 450 people, located approximately 18 miles east of Roanoke.