Rental company charged in fatal 2024 tent collapse at Alberta meditation retreat

Nearly 2 years after a fateful collapsible shelter burst at a intermediation retreat northwest of Edmonton, a special event rental company is facing charges.

Valerie Pham, 40, was killed July 31, 2024, at the Westlock Meditation Centre when severe winds led to the collapse of the large event tent during a 10-day retreat attended by hundreds of people from around the world.

The event took place at the centre’s Tây Thiên Buddhist monastery in Busby, Alta., about 70 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

In addition to the fatal injuries sustained by Pham, later identified as being from Minnesota, more than 40 people were hospitalized for injuries sustained from the falling structure, while 20 others were assessed by paramedics on site.

In February, Alberta Special Event Equipment Rentals & Sales Ltd. Was charged with 10 counts under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to safely erect the large event tent. 

Workplace safety investigators allege the company failed to ensure the pole tent was installed safely and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They allege the structure was not anchored, staked or pinned down properly.

Engineering specifications for the size of stakes and pins to secure the structure, as well as the location and capacity of guy wires needed to brace it were not followed, investigators allege.

Investigators report that between 100 and 200 people were inside the pole tent when the structure failed.

Officials with Alberta Special Event Equipment Rentals & Sales Ltd were not available for comment.

The company is scheduled for its first court appearance April 22 in the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock. 

The Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute, which operates the Trúc Lâm Monastery in Edmonton, has organized the annual meditation retreat for more than two decades. 

It allows participants to live as monks and nuns, immersing themselves in Buddhist prayer and monastic study from morning to night. 

About 400 people had gathered at the centre for a 10-day monastic retreat when a storm hit.

Officials at the time reported that the wind and rain suddenly grew fierce shortly after attendees had gathered under the canopy for dinner.

Environment Canada reported severe winds reached speeds of between 70 and 90 km/h as the storm reached its peak over Busby around 5:30 p.m. on the night of the collapse.

Officials with the research institute and the meditation centre declined to comment on the charges. 

Tent collapse at Buddhist retreat near Edmonton kills 1, injures dozens

Reporter

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