The roof of a church in northern Mexico collapsed during mass on Sunday (1/10), trapping several worshipers under the rubble. At least seven people died in the incident.
“Seven people are confirmed dead and 10 injured victims have been rescued,” a Tamaulipas state government spokesman said in a statement. There are still many congregants who are trapped and the rescue process is still being carried out.
Earlier, officials said about 30 people were believed to be trapped in the Santa Cruz church in the bay city of Ciudad Madero.
In video taken shortly after the incident, the concrete and brick structure appears to have collapsed, with part of the roof almost completely collapsing to the ground.
The roof itself appears to be made of cast concrete and can be seen collapsing over the pews in some areas of the church.
This opens up the possibility of air space for victims who may survive.
The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said that the roof of the building collapsed while parishioners were receiving communion.
Tamaulipas state police said that about 100 people were inside the church when the roof collapsed and about 30 people were believed to still be trapped.
State police also said that units of the National Guard, state police and state civil defense offices, as well as the Red Cross were at the scene. (rd/rs)
