At least 10 killed, 60 injured in church roof collapse in Mexico

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Oct 2023 09:03

The Red Cross has expressed concerns that the death toll could increase.

Rescue workers search for survivors amid debris after the roof of a church collapsed during a Sunday mass in Ciudad Madero, Mexico, Oct. 1, 2023. (AP)

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in Mexico as the roof of a church collapsed, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives and leaving 60 others injured, according to local authorities.

The disaster unfolded in the coastal town of Ciudad Madero, located in the northeastern region of Tamaulipas state. A Red Cross rescuer informed local media that approximately 80 individuals had been present at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof gave way.

"Unfortunately, ten people are confirmed dead. Of these, five are women, two men, and three children," Americo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas, told reporters at the scene of the disaster.

At least 60 people were treated for injuries, the governor said, with 23 still hospitalized.

"Two have serious injuries, their lives may be in danger," he said.

Church collapsed during baptism ceremony in Ciudad Madero, Mexico, multiple dead, dozens reportedly trapped under debris.#Mexico #CaneloCharlo #cedricdoumbe #collapse #news pic.twitter.com/lHjTZf2yqf
— Anchor Manish Kumar (@manishA20058305) October 2, 2023

"We are experiencing a very difficult moment... the roof of a church has collapsed during the celebration of the Eucharist," the bishop of the local diocese Jose Armando Alvarez said in a video posted to social media.

"At this moment they are doing the necessary work to save the people who are still under the rubble," he added, without providing more details.

The Red Cross rescuer has expressed concerns that the death toll could increase.

The scene was filled with ambulances, police, and military personnel, along with anxious individuals searching for their loved ones.

Local media displayed scenes of numerous individuals using poles to support sections of the collapsed structure, while others carefully navigated through the debris, searching for survivors.

MEXICO: Church collapses during baptism ceremony in Ciudad Madero, killing at least 5 people. Dozens more still trapped pic.twitter.com/FPAJokHr2L
— BNO News (@BNONews) October 1, 2023

Rescuers, reminiscent of earthquake recovery efforts, raised their fists to signal for silence, hoping to hear any calls for help from those trapped beneath the wreckage.

"Security and civil protection forces are already dealing with the situation... to coordinate rescue plans," Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal wrote on X.

A video, reportedly captured by a nearby security camera, shows the instant of the collapse, with the church building vanishing amidst a cloud of dust.

MEXICO: Church collapses during baptism ceremony in Ciudad Madero, killing at least 5 people. Dozens more still trapped pic.twitter.com/FPAJokHr2L
— BNO News (@BNONews) October 1, 2023

The Archdiocese of Mexico expressed condolences through a message shared on social media.

"We join in prayer with our sister diocese Tampico to intercede for our killed and injured brothers," it said.

Local residents turned to social media, issuing requests for assistance in the rescue operation, including hydraulic lifts, wood, and hammers.

Ciudad Madero, situated along the Gulf of Mexico coast, has a population of slightly more than 200,000 people.