Reuters —A church roof collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city killing at least nine people and injuring 40, authorities said, as rescuers worked into the night, desperately looking for another 30 people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Footage on social media showed the moment the church roof caved in, puffs of gray smoke billowing into the air, followed by the toppling of yellow brick outer walls.
Speaking on Foro TV news channel, Cuéllar thanked local businessmen for bringing equipment to help remove rubble and aid rescue efforts.
Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshipers were receiving communion and asked others to pray for the survivors.
“In this moment the necessary work is being carried out to pull out the people who are still under the rumble,” Bishop Armando said in a recorded message shared on social media.
Persons:
Jose Luis Tapia, El Sol, Jorge Cuéllar, Cuéllar, Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez, ” Bishop Armando
Organizations:
Reuters, AP, Security Ministry, Foro, Roman Catholic
Locations:
Mexican, Ciudad Madero, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Texas