Tampico Bishop José Armando Alvarez said in a statement on social media Sunday that “the roof of Holy Cross parish” collapsed while parishioners were “celebrating the baptism of their children.”
“We continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those rescued and we maintain firm hope that those still trapped under the rubble will be rescued,” Bishop Alvarez said. living".
The Mexican Bishops Conference also confirmed the collapse in a statement, in which the bishops wrote that they were “united in prayer over the tragic loss of life and injuries suffered by several faithful.” suffered” in the collapse.
Video circulating on social media appeared to depict the moment the roof collapsed on Sunday
By Monday morning, at least 10 people were believed to have died in the tragedy. In a follow-up video message, Bishop Alvarez said emergency workers were “doing the necessary work to get those still trapped under the rubble out.”
“Today we are living in a very difficult time,” the Bishop said in his address. Several dozen other parishioners were said to be injured.
Authorities said there were about 100 people present at the parish at the time it collapsed. ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner, reported that members of the Red Cross were believed to be at the scene along with emergency workers and local troops.
According to ACI Prensa, “May God help us all and may this painful experience we are living become our strength.”
Ciudad Madero is located in the state of Tamaulipas on the east coast of Mexico, about 250 miles from the Texas border. .
Source:Catholic News Agency