Robert Guanco died and six other people were injured in the tragic incident.
The man who was killed after a wooden sign fell onto people at the Big Church Festival has been named.
Robert Guanco, 41, died and six people were injured after the huge sign reading ‘Everything’s Unmissable’ toppled at the Christian gathering in West Sussex on Friday afternoon.
Four of the injured were taken to hospital but no more information is available on their condition at this stage, reports the Mirror.
The pastor was described as a “faithful servant of God” by the Jesus the Living Water Church he served in Eastbourne.
One bystander explained how he and his wife were walking just a few paces behind when the sign came crashing down. They joined around 50 other people to lift it off those trapped underneath.
The organisers cancelled the festival, which was scheduled to run until Sunday, following the tragedy.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was “sad and shocked” and offered prayers for Mr Guanco’s family, those injured and others affected.
Andy Ollerton was walking “just a few paces” behind “when a huge overhead sign came crashing down on the people in front of us”.
The theologian and author explained on Instagram: “We rushed with others to lift the sign off them and then administered first aid with others as best we could until the paramedics arrived but tragically, one of those people, we’ve now heard, lost his life.
“So, we’re absolutely reeling, devastated, as you can imagine, and in a bit of shock as well. I am sure many others who witnessed it were too.”
Mr Ollerton said many people would have questions about the incident, adding: “Why did this happen? Why did this happen at human level?
He said the crowds remained calm and respectful while BCF took “decisive action in difficult circumstances”. Festivalgoers were first alerted to the incident when God TV announced that its livestream had been paused due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
South East Coast Ambulance Service were called out just after 3.30pm and treated six people at the scene.
A spokesman said: “Four of those patients were taken to a local hospital for further treatment, including two patients with more serious injuries and two patients with less serious injuries. Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life, and with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
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