In a heartbreaking incident on Sunday, the roof of a church in northeastern Mexico collapsed during a service, resulting in the tragic loss of at least seven lives, according to local officials.
The catastrophic incident occurred in the coastal town of Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas state, leaving a devastating impact on the community. A spokesperson for the Tamaulipas state government reported that seven people had been confirmed dead, while 10 injured individuals were successfully rescued. However, the situation remained dire, with more people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Local media accounts indicated that approximately 20 people were still unaccounted for beneath the debris. Reports suggested that a baptism ceremony was in progress when the ceiling of the church suddenly collapsed.
The incident unfolded in the early afternoon, shocking the congregation and the local community. Distressing images captured by Milenio Television revealed the desperate efforts of dozens of individuals attempting to support a portion of the collapsed structure with makeshift props, while others bravely ventured through the wreckage in search of survivors.
The bishop of the local diocese, Jose Armando Alvarez, expressed the community’s grief and sorrow, stating, “We are experiencing a very difficult moment… the roof of a church has collapsed during the celebration of the Eucharist.” His message was shared via social media, underscoring the profound impact of this tragic event on the region.