A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Mexico as the roof of the Santa Cruz church in Ciudad Madero gave way, resulting in the loss of seven lives and leaving 30 individuals trapped, BBC reported.

The calamity occurred during a gathering where roughly 100 people had assembled for a religious service, believed to be a baptism. Among those trapped, several are reported as children.

Distressing images shared on social media depicted the church reduced to ruins, with concerned onlookers diligently sifting through the debris in search of survivors.

Many arrived at the scene equipped with shovels and pickaxes to assist in clearing the rubble. Emergency services eventually arrived, responding to the collapse that transpired at approximately 2:30 PM local time.

In a touching display of solidarity, appeals were made on social media for medical and rescue supplies to aid those involved in the search for survivors.

Authorities requested silence from the assembled crowd to better hear potential cries for help from those trapped inside.

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Mexico Church Collapses While Parishioners Receive Communion

Bishop José Armando Alvarez of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico conveyed that the roof gave in while parishioners were partaking in communion at the Santa Cruz church in Ciudad Madero, situated along the Gulf coast near the port city of Tampico, according to AP.

He communicated his commitment to ongoing rescue efforts and expressed gratitude for the safe retrieval of some individuals from beneath the rubble.

As the community grapples with this challenging moment, Bishop Alvarez appealed to anyone possessing wood to contribute it to fortify the church's roof while rescue teams operate within.

Authorities initiated a massive response to the incident, involving units from the National Guard, state police, state civil defense office, and the Red Cross, all converging on the scene to undertake rescue operations.

Photographs shared by state authorities showed the substantial concrete roof resting on top of pews in various sections of the church, suggesting the possibility of air pockets where survivors might be found.

Cause of Mexico Church Roof Collapse Is Undetermined

While building collapses in Mexico are often linked to seismic events, the National Seismological Service had not reported any significant earthquakes during the time of the incident.

Furthermore, there was no immediate indication of an explosion, Dimsum Daily noted.

Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya swiftly directed government officials and health sector authorities to coordinate assistance for affected families and oversee rescue efforts.

Ten injured individuals have been successfully rescued and transferred to hospitals, with three sent to the Civil Hospital and the remaining seven to the General Hospital Dr. Carlos Canseco.

Federal and state security forces, civil protection units, and rescue organizations mobilized to provide support at the scene.

The process of removing debris is ongoing as part of the rescue efforts, ABC News noted.

Ciudad Madero, located approximately 310 miles (500 kilometers) south of Brownsville, Texas, has faced its share of challenges associated with drug cartel violence, though it has experienced fewer incidents compared to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

The city's relative stability, despite its proximity to Veracruz, Mexico, has contributed to this situation.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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