A 41-year-old man has died and at least six others have been injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, England, the United Kingdom, police said.
The incident occurred at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 15:38 BST on Friday, prompting emergency services to respond to the Christian festival.
Sussex Police said the 41-year-old victim, who was from Eastbourne, died at the scene, while at least six other people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Festival organisers subsequently announced that the event would be brought to an early close following the incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said police understood the impact the incident would have had on those attending and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”
The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been notified as investigations continue.
Organisers said their thoughts were with everyone affected, adding that their immediate priority was the welfare of those involved and ensuring people could leave the festival site safely.
Theo Saville, who attended the event, said a “large wooden sign” had fallen close to the entrance of a tented area.
“The sign fell in the direction of the wind,” he told the BBC.
“Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed.”
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said earlier on Friday, “Concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston.
“There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally.
“My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident.”
The Diocese of Chichester also expressed its condolences, saying, “We pray for all involved in this accident and those responding.”
Earlier, festival organisers instructed day visitors to leave the venue immediately, while campers were asked to return to their campsites and await further instructions. Those staying at the campsite were also allowed to leave if they wished.
Police warned of traffic disruption in the area and urged members of the public to avoid the vicinity of the festival.
The Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, was founded in 2009.
This year’s sold-out event began on Friday and had been scheduled to continue until Sunday.
