By Daniel Edu
In Ciudad Madero, Mexico, a tragic incident unfolded on Sunday as the roof of a local church collapsed during a Mass, resulting in numerous injuries and individuals trapped beneath the rubble. According to reports, approximately 100 people were inside the church at the time of the incident, with around 30 individuals, including children, still trapped.
The church in question is situated in northern Mexico, specifically in Ciudad Madero, adjacent to the port city of Tampico. Bishop José Armando Alvarez, representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico, confirmed that the roof gave way while the congregation was partaking in communion at the Santa Cruz church.
Emergency response teams, including the National Guard, state police, state civil defense crews, and the Red Cross, swiftly arrived at the scene, and they initiated efforts to locate and assist any victims. Images captured by local media depict a concrete and brick structure with sections of the collapsed roof strewn across the church interior.
Authorities reported that roughly 100 people were present inside the church during the roof’s collapse, with approximately 30 individuals still trapped beneath the debris. As of the latest reports, it remains uncertain whether there have been any casualties resulting from the incident.
Bishop Alvarez, in a recorded message, stated, “At this time, the necessary work is being performed to extract the people who are still under the rubble. Today we are living through a very difficult moment.”
It’s important to note that building collapses are not uncommon in Mexico, typically occurring during earthquakes. However, the National Seismological Service did not report any significant seismic activity at the time of the church roof’s collapse, nor were there any indications of explosions in the vicinity.
Ciudad Madero is located approximately 310 miles (500 kilometers) to the south of Brownsville, Texas.
