Pastor and theologian Andy Ollerton has described rushing to help people after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, killing one person and injuring at least six.

Speaking on social media, Pastor Andy said he and his wife, Charlotte, were just a few paces behind those who were struck when the sign came down.

“We rushed with others to lift the sign off them, and then administered first aid with others as best we could until the paramedics arrived,” he said.

He said the experience had left him “reeling, devastated” and “in a bit of shock”.

The pastor also spoke about the difficult questions the tragedy had raised for him about suffering, faith and why God allows painful events to happen.

“I’m sure you woke up this morning with so many questions, particularly the ‘why’ questions: Why did this happen? Why did this happen at a human level? What went wrong?

“But perhaps the deeper question is: Why did God allow this to happen? I’m sure that’s a question you’re wrestling with too, along with many others. People were coming together to worship Him, so why would God allow something like this – a tragic accident – to interrupt a worship event?”

He continued: “As Christians, we still have questions, and we live with mysteries, and find a deeper place of trust for things that we really don’t understand, and this is one of them.”

Acknowledging that there were “no easy answers”, Pastor Andy pointed to Luke 13, saying the passage was a reminder that “life is a fragile gift” and that Christians should place their trust in God.

He also offered words of comfort to those grieving, saying: “The God of the universe is a God who has suffered.”

“He loves the people who are suffering and facing grief and loss today, and He’s the God of all comfort.”

He added: “When people are brokenhearted, He’s the God of all comfort. If you’re brokenhearted today, God is there. Reach out to Him, and feel His arm around you this morning as we all face this tragic loss, and reach out to those in prayer, finally, who are facing this loss most intensely.

“God, I pray for the families and friends represented. May they find that You are the God of all comfort this morning, in Jesus’ name.”

Police are urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.