Roof of church collapses in Mexico, claims lives of at least 10
Roof of church collapses in Mexico, claims lives of at least 9
At least 10 people, including three children, lost their lives and nearly 60 were wounded after the roof of a church collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city, said the authorities.
"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.
The governor released a statement saying that at least 60 people were being treated for injuries with 23 still hospitalised.
"Two have serious injuries, their lives may be in danger," he said.
The incident took place in the northeastern coastal town of Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas state. As per local media reports, a Red Cross rescuer said that at least 80 people were in attendance at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof came crashing down.
According to local media reports, at least 30 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Reportedly, a baptism was being celebrated when the ceiling caved in.
"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.
"Security and civil protection forces are already dealing with the situation... to coordinate rescue plans," Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal wrote on X.
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.
Residents took to social media requesting tools to assist the rescue effort, such as hydraulic lifts, wood and hammers.
Ciudad Madero is a city situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is home to over 200,000 people.
(With inputs from agencies)
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