Tragic Tent Collapse Claims Life of International Visitor at Westlock Meditation Centre
In a devastating turn of events, one international visitor has tragically lost their life and numerous others have sustained injuries following a tent collapse at the Westlock Meditation Centre in Busby, Alberta. The incident occurred during a severe weather storm on Wednesday evening, affecting attendees from various countries participating in an 11-day monastic retreat.
According to RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the collapse occurred as severe winds struck the tent where approximately 400 individuals had gathered for dinner. Emergency Medical Services assessed 60 people for injuries, with 40 requiring transportation to hospitals in the surrounding areas. The deceased individual, who was not from Canada, was discovered amidst the chaos.
Michael Nguyen, a spokesperson for the meditation centre, revealed that the diverse group of attendees included visitors from the U.S., Australia, Germany, Vietnam, Belgium, and other nations. Despite the tragic event, organizers are deliberating on how to proceed with the retreat that had just commenced.
Residents from the area recount the sudden and intense nature of the storm, emphasizing the unforeseeable circumstances that led to the tent collapse. The Westlock area had been under a severe thunderstorm watch as meteorologists had predicted strong winds reaching speeds of 70-to-90 kilometres per hour.
The picturesque and tranquil setting of the meditation centre has been marred by the unfortunate incident, prompting an outpouring of support from government officials and emergency responders. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, with authorities urging caution during severe weather conditions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts are being made to provide support and assistance to those affected by the devastating event. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of safety measures during outdoor gatherings.
The memories of the international visitor lost in the tent collapse will forever remain in the hearts of those who witnessed the tragic event at the Westlock Meditation Centre.
In a devastating turn of events, one international visitor has tragically lost their life and numerous others have sustained injuries following a tent collapse at the Westlock Meditation Centre in Busby, Alberta. The incident occurred during a severe weather storm on Wednesday evening, affecting attendees from various countries participating in an 11-day monastic retreat.
According to RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the collapse occurred as severe winds struck the tent where approximately 400 individuals had gathered for dinner. Emergency Medical Services assessed 60 people for injuries, with 40 requiring transportation to hospitals in the surrounding areas. The deceased individual, who was not from Canada, was discovered amidst the chaos.
Michael Nguyen, a spokesperson for the meditation centre, revealed that the diverse group of attendees included visitors from the U.S., Australia, Germany, Vietnam, Belgium, and other nations. Despite the tragic event, organizers are deliberating on how to proceed with the retreat that had just commenced.
Residents from the area recount the sudden and intense nature of the storm, emphasizing the unforeseeable circumstances that led to the tent collapse. The Westlock area had been under a severe thunderstorm watch as meteorologists had predicted strong winds reaching speeds of 70-to-90 kilometres per hour.
The picturesque and tranquil setting of the meditation centre has been marred by the unfortunate incident, prompting an outpouring of support from government officials and emergency responders. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, with authorities urging caution during severe weather conditions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts are being made to provide support and assistance to those affected by the devastating event. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of safety measures during outdoor gatherings.
The memories of the international visitor lost in the tent collapse will forever remain in the hearts of those who witnessed the tragic event at the Westlock Meditation Centre.
