Understand
Pastor died from multiple severe injuries after a wooden arch fell at a West Sussex festival, an inquest hears
Overview
An inquest opening at Woodvale Coroner's Court has heard that 41-year-old pastor Robert Guanco died from multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma after a large wooden arch collapsed on him during the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. Six other people were also injured in the incident, which is currently under a health and safety investigation by Horsham District Council.
Key points
- Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, died from multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma when a wooden arch fell at the Big Church Festival on 28 August.
- The inquest opening took place at Woodvale Coroner's Court in Brighton, with the full inquest adjourned until a pre-inquest review on 9 March.
- Six other individuals were injured during the incident, with four requiring hospital treatment.
- Horsham District Council is continuing a health and safety investigation into the collapse.
- A fundraising page set up for Mr Guanco's widow and daughter has raised more than £243,000.