Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas State, Mexico – In a harrowing incident that unfolded during a Sunday mass, the roof of a revered church in northern Mexico gave way, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Reports confirm that at least 10 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and approximately 60 others have sustained injuries in this heart-wrenching incident. Authorities and rescuers worked tirelessly through the night, relentlessly searching the debris for survivors and additional victims.
As the roof collapsed during the Sunday service, it is reported that around 30 parishioners found themselves trapped beneath the rubble. In a race against time, search and rescue teams courageously navigated under the weighty roof slabs, and specially trained dogs were deployed to aid in the search for any potential survivors.
The state police of Tamaulipas have disclosed that at the time of the collapse, there were approximately 100 people gathered inside the church. The cause of this devastating incident is being attributed to what is described as a “structural failure” by the state security spokesperson’s office.
Multiple agencies, including units from the National Guard, state police, state civil defense office, and the Red Cross, have united in a collective effort to mitigate the consequences of this tragedy.
The Mexican Council of Bishops issued a poignant statement, expressing their condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. Bishop José Armando Alvarez of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico revealed that the catastrophic collapse occurred while parishioners were receiving communion at the Santa Cruz church, located in the Gulf coast city of Ciudad Madero, adjacent to the port city of Tampico.
The diocese has also provided a list of those injured, which regrettably includes young children, including a four-month-old infant and three five-year-olds. Tragically, three children have lost their lives in this catastrophic event, possibly due to the fact that baptisms were scheduled to take place in the church.
Despite the dire circumstances, there have been miraculous moments as well, with survivors being rescued from the rubble, offering hope amidst the devastation. Bishop Alvarez’s diocese has appealed for donations of wood to reinforce the structure while rescue teams continue their arduous efforts.
Photographs from local media depict a grim scene, showcasing the concrete and brick structure with sections of the roof collapsed to the ground. Security camera footage from nearby locations reveals the dramatic moment when the church’s gabled roof simply crumbled inward.
There is no evidence of an explosion or any outward force; the incident appears to be a tragic result of structural failure. As rescue operations continue, there remains the possibility that air spaces within the debris could harbor survivors.
Bishop Alvarez, in a recorded message, expressed the gravity of the situation and the ongoing efforts to extricate those still trapped beneath the rubble. As the community confronts this challenging moment, the resilience and unity of the rescue teams and the outpouring of support from across the region offer a glimmer of hope in the midst of profound sorrow.
The National Seismological Service has not reported any seismic activity of sufficient magnitude to induce such destruction at the time of the collapse, further deepening the mystery surrounding this tragic incident.
By AP
