The death toll from the collapse of a church roof during a Sunday Mass in northern Mexico has increased to 10, with another 60 people sustaining injuries, according to officials on Monday. The search and rescue efforts have been concluded as authorities in the area wrap up operations.
Among the victims were five women, two men, and three children, as reported by Americo Villarreal, the state governor of Tamaulipas state where the Gulf Coast city of Ciudad Madero is located.
Videos circulating on social media capture the exact moment when the church roof gave way, followed by plumes of gray smoke and the collapsing of the yellow brick outer walls.
Multiple sources in Mexico’s media outlets have indicated that several children were being baptized at the time of the incident.
Governor Villarreal stated that all attendees have been confirmed safe, as military personnel and emergency services, employing rescue dogs and heavy machinery, combed through the wreckage.
Out of the hospitalized victims, 23 are still receiving treatment, with two reported to be in a serious condition, the governor added.
During his regular morning press conference, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez of the nearby Tampico Diocese, representing the Roman Catholic Church, mentioned that the roof of the church collapsed as worshipers were receiving communion, and requested prayers for survivors.
Nestor Javier Lopez, spokesperson for the diocese, informed newspaper Reforma that the cause of the collapse is still unknown and expressed hope that authorities will investigate and reveal the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reported by Kylie Madry and Raul Cortes in Mexico City and Laura Gottesdiener in Monterrey; edited by David Gregorio.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
