At least 10 dead including 3 children & 20 trapped as church roof collapses during baptism in Mexico
AT LEAST ten people including three children were killed when the roof of a church came crashing down during a baptism in Mexico.
The tragedy struck the Santa Cruz parish in the coastal town of Ciudad Madero on Sunday leaving 20 people trapped in the rubble.
A Red Cross rescuer told local media that 80 people had been in attendance at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof caved in.
Americo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas, told reporters at the scene: “Unfortunately, ten people are confirmed dead. Of these, five are women, two men and three children.”
He added that at least 60 people were treated for injuries with 23 still hospitalised.
“Two have serious injuries, their lives may be in danger,” he said.
Church officials said a baptism was being celebrated when the ceiling collapsed.
The bishop of the local diocese Jose Armando Alvarez said in a video posted to social media: “We are experiencing a very difficult moment… the roof of a church has collapsed during the celebration of the Eucharist.”
Earlier, ambulances, patrol cars and police and military personnel had rushed to the site, while people were desperately searching for family members who were in the church.
Local media showed footage of dozens of people trying to hold up part of the collapsed structure with poles while others made their way through the wreckage in search of survivors.
Tamaulipas Governor Villarreal said: “Security and civil protection forces are already dealing with the situation… to coordinate rescue plans.”
A video reportedly from a nearby security camera appears to show the moment of collapse, as the church building disappears into a cloud of dust.
The Archdiocese of Mexico posted a message on social media offering condolences.
“We join in prayer with our sister diocese Tampico to intercede for our killed and injured brothers,” it said.
Local residents put out calls on social media asking for tools to aid the rescue effort, such as hydraulic lifts, wood and hammers.
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