Church Floor Collapse Spurs Lawsuit

The father of two girls injured when the floor collapsed during a Christian rock concert at a British Columbia church has filed a class-action lawsuit claiming negligence against the church and concert promoter.

The lawsuit names the B.C. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, which owns and operates Central Heights Church, and United Productions, promoter for rock band Starfield, according to the Canadian Press.

Michael Williams filed the lawsuit on behalf of daughters Sarah, 17, and Jennifer, 18, who attended the April 26th Starfield concert. It claims Sarah sustained a traumatic brain injury, concussion and other injuries and Jennifer suffered injuries to her left arm, bruises and scrapes as well as nervous shock, the CP reported.

The suit alleges the defendants endangered the safety of guests, volunteers and church members by failing to see warning signs that the floor was in bad shape. It seeks general and specific damages, "in trust" damages and court-ordered interest and costs, according to the Vancouver Province.

About 1,000 people, mostly teens, were enjoying the concert when a section of the wooden floor fell out from underneath them, plunging dancing fans into the basement. Lighting and sound equipment crashed down around the fans as a result.

More than 40 were reportedly injured including the Williams girls.

Structural engineers were brought in to investigate. The church is expected to remain closed until late summer while repairs are made.