On Ash Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred at a Catholic church in the Philippines, resulting in one death and injuries to 53 individuals during a crowded mass.
This day is significant for Catholics as it marks the start of Lent in the region.
An elderly woman, aged 80, passed away due to chest injuries sustained in the collapse, as confirmed by Gina Ayson, the civil defense chief of San Jose del Monte, located near Manila.
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The collapse was attributed to the weakening of the church’s wooden balcony, which was infested with termites.
The incident took place during the mass, causing the wooden gallery to give way under the added weight, sending worshippers tumbling to the ground floor below.
Ayson noted that the section of the structure affected by termites was not visibly compromised from the outside, highlighting the unexpected nature of the collapse.
Most of the victims, primarily elderly individuals, suffered minor injuries such as bruises.
Approximately 400 people were present during the mass.
Following the tragedy, Mayor Arthur Robes ordered the closure of the damaged church for an investigation into its structural integrity.
Images shared by Robes on social media depicted the aftermath, with parts of the balcony hanging dangerously close to the ground and the interior strewn with debris.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections in public spaces to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
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