The 5 Deadliest Tent Collapses & 8 Key Steps to Avoid Them

October 11, 2024Now Trending

When planning an outdoor event, safety should be your top priority. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, turning a sunny day into a dangerous storm in a matter of minutes. While tents provide excellent outdoor shelter, they are not designed to withstand severe weather conditions like permanent structures. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures can help ensure the safety of you and your guests.

It's crucial to recognize that most party tents are non-engineered, temporary structures. This means they are suitable for typical weather conditions but can become hazardous if not properly installed or monitored during adverse weather. 

Next, we’ll explore the five deadliest tent collapses, their causes, and the key steps you can take to prevent such tragedies. By learning from these incidents, you can better prepare for a safe and successful event—rain or shine.

1. Lancaster, New Hampshire: Walker International Events Circus

In 2015, a tragic tent collapse occurred during a circus performance in Lancaster, New Hampshire. A severe storm struck, causing the improperly installed tent to collapse. The event resulted in 2 fatalities and numerous other injuries. An occupational health and safety investigation revealed that the tent had deviated from installation instructions, including the improper use and anchoring of tent stakes, and the failure to replace damaged stakes. The event organizers also did not evacuate the audience in time, highlighting the importance of proper tent staking and weather monitoring to prevent tent collapses.

2. Busby, Canada: Westlock Meditation Centre

In 2024, a structure collapsed during a Buddhist retreat northwest of Edmonton, Canada. During an event organized by the Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute, the collapse was caused by strong straight-line winds reaching speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour. The incident tragically resulted in 1 death, along with 10 serious injuries and 24 minor injuries ranging from cuts to broken bones. Despite the severe weather conditions, emergency crews emphasized the critical importance of adhering to proper tent installation guidelines and closely monitoring weather conditions to prevent similar accidents in the future.

3. St. Louis, MO: Kilroy’s Bar

In 2012 a large tent at Kilroy’s Bar in St. Louis, Missouri, collapsed during a severe thunderstorm event. One person died and 5 serious injuries occurred as a result. High winds lifted the tent from its anchoring points, causing it to collapse onto the attendees. The incident brought attention to the need for quicker response times to severe weather warnings and the necessity of having a well-thought-out evacuation plan in place for outdoor events.

4. Wood Dale, IL: Prairie Fest

During the Prairie Fest in Wood Dale, Illinois in 2015, a tent collapsed due to strong winds exceeding 50 mph. With debris flying through the air, a steel pole inside the tent fell, resulting in the death of a guest and causing serious injuries to 3 others. The incident raised questions about whether the tent was properly staked and secured. There was also concern over the lack of an effective evacuation plan, as attendees were instructed to take shelter under the tent rather than evacuating, which might have prevented the tragedy.

5. Bedford Park, IL: Cintas Employee Appreciation

In 2023, a tent collapsed during an employee appreciation event in Bedford Park, Illinois, leaving 5 people with serious injuries and 21 others were injured. The Thursday morning collapse was attributed to improper ballasting, indicating that either the weight used to secure the tent was insufficient or improperly distributed. This incident underscores the importance of using adequate and correctly placed ballasts for securing large tents, even if it doesn’t appear windy.

Reach Out to Us for Your Next Event Tent

Let our team guide you every step of the way, ensuring your outdoor event is a safe success. Contact us today to secure your top-of-the-line tent, complete with comprehensive post-sale support for a secure & seamless installation. We’d love to help!

8 Ways to Avoid a Similar Fate for Your Event

Outdoor events are meant to be joyous occasions—let’s make sure they stay that way. Don’t let the above incidents deter you from hosting your next event under a tent. By following these 7 steps, you can significantly reduce the risks and ensure a safe and successful event.

1. Follow Manufacturer Installation Guidelines

Each tent model has specific installation instructions, which can vary even between similar types, such as pole tents vs. frame tents. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines meticulously. This includes ensuring that poles and the tent top are positioned and secured correctly and that all components are properly tensioned or pinned. Neglecting these steps can lead to structural instability, increasing the risk of a tent collapse.

2. Properly Anchor Your Tent

Anchoring your tent securely is one of the most critical safety measures. Improper staking or inadequate ballasting is a leading cause of tent collapses, especially in severe weather. Make sure you use the correct type and number of stakes or ballasts, and that they are distributed and secured according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If staking is not an option, invest in a reliable tent ballasting system to ensure stability.

3. Monitor the Weather Closely

Stay informed about weather forecasts and be vigilant about current conditions by paying attention to a warning preparedness meteorologist. The National Weather Service (NWS) advises evacuating event tents when sustained winds reach 38 miles per hour or higher, but remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, if there is lightning in the area, evacuate immediately as metal tent poles can attract lightning, posing a serious risk to everyone inside.

4. Have a Comprehensive Evacuation Plan

A well-thought-out evacuation plan is essential in case of severe weather. Clearly mark exit points, particularly if your tent has sidewalls, and identify safe zones where guests can take shelter. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do, so evacuation can happen swiftly and safely if needed.

5. Train Your Staff and Volunteers

Having an evacuation plan is not enough—your staff and volunteers need to be well-trained and prepared to act. Conduct practice drills to ensure everyone understands their roles, such as making announcements, directing guests, or coordinating with first responders and fire crews. Proper training can prevent confusion and save lives in an emergency.

6. Avoid Overcrowding Your Outdoor Event

While tents are placed outdoors with many of them being open air on the sides, believe it or not, each tent has a maximum number of people that can be under it in order to remain safe. Stick to the recommended capacity for your tent to prevent overcrowding, which can complicate evacuation efforts and increase the risk of injuries. Overcrowded spaces can also lead to confusion and panic, making it more difficult to manage an orderly evacuation if needed.

7. Select a Tent With Dependable Materials

Look for tents made with heavy-duty materials like 16oz. vinyl and 1000 denier fabric, which offer superior resistance to tearing and ensure that straps stay securely fastened, maintaining the stability of your anchors. Strong poles are equally important—opt for anodized aluminum tent poles that resist rust, cracking, bending, and breaking. For larger tents, consider models with double-tube poles, which provide additional support and increased wind resistance, reducing the risk of bending.

8. Hire Professionals for Installation

Consider hiring a professional tent crew to ensure your tent is installed safely and according to manufacturer specifications. Choosing a reputable tent company can provide peace of mind, and some companies, like ours, even offer guided installations to ensure you know how to set up your tent safely every time.

Need a Customized Outdoor Tent? Contact Us!

Looking to elevate your event with a beautiful and safe tent setup? Call us today, and our expert team will help you find the perfect canopy for your special day. Discover our wide range of options by calling us at 920-431-0938.

Ensuring Your Event Doesn’t End in a Tent Collapse

Mother Nature’s beauty is what makes outdoor events so captivating, offering a stunning natural backdrop for any celebration. While we can’t control the weather, we can control our level of preparedness.

By following proper installation and anchoring procedures, closely monitoring weather conditions, and having a solid safety plan in place, you can confidently host a safe and successful event. Don’t let potential risks deter you—embracing the outdoors is well worth it when you’re prepared.

If you’re planning an outdoor event and have concerns about tent safety, we’re here to help! Reach out to our expert team for personalized advice tailored to your specific weather conditions. We’re here for you throughout the entire event season, offering guidance on everything from safe tent setup to recommendations on when to take your tent down in winter weather.

Tony Ehrbar

Owner & CEO

Tony's entrepreneurial spirit is woven into the fabric of American Tent (an Inc 5000 company), shaped by his experience running a successful event venue & tent rental service. His recognition as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 is a testament to his impact & dedication to his community. As the Co-founder and CEO of Renegade Plastics, Tony is leading initiatives in the tent industry to integrate eco-friendly, recyclable materials. Contributing as a board member for the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) & the Green Bay Area Public Schools Foundation and being featured by Entrepreneur, Oracle, & Modern Weddings, Tony plays a pivotal role in enhancing the growth and success of the textile industry.