(NationRise.com) – Mexican authorities said that the roof of a church in Mexico’s northern region collapsed during a mass on October 1, injuring 50 people and killing 11. Following the catastrophic event, searchers made desperate efforts to uncover additional survivors and victims in the wreckage.
Local officials in the state of Tamaulipas told reporters that 30 parishioners were believed to be trapped within the debris following the roof collapse. The tragic incident took place in the city of Ciudad Madero, with officials sending searchers, rescuers, and dogs to search for more survivors. The state police of Tamaulipas said in a statement that 100 people were praying in the church when the roof caved in. It also noted that most of the victims were women and children.
The state security spokesperson’s office said the accident was caused by a “structural failure.” The office also dismissed claims that a local cartel could have caused this and noted it would conduct an in-depth investigation into this matter.
The state police of Tamaulipas noted that the State Civil Defense Office, along with the state police, the Red Cross, and units of the Mexican National Guard, were involved in the search and rescue operations in the area. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Council of Bishops published a statement saying they are praying for the injured and the “tragic loss of life.”
Many Mexican media outlets and political leaders said this tragedy represents “another chapter” of Mexico’s “deterioration,” as they claimed there’s currently an “infrastructure” crisis in many areas of the country. They also said that the tragedy of the Ciudad Madero’s church could happen in other Mexican churches at any time.
During a press conference in Mexico City, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed his condolences and said that the government is mourning the loss of “innocent lives.” He also stated that his administration will make its “biggest effort” to determine the cause behind this tragedy and help the victims’ families.
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