Tragedy Strikes Philippines as Church Balcony Collapses on Ash Wednesday

Tragedy Strikes Philippines as Church Balcony Collapses on Ash Wednesday

VoM News Desk | February 14, 2024 | 03:00 PM IST | Philippines, World | Follow on Google News

Tragedy Strikes Philippines as Church Balcony Collapses on Ash Wednesday

Tragedy Strikes Philippines as Church Balcony Collapses on Ash Wednesday

In a devastating incident on Ash Wednesday, an elderly woman lost her life, and 53 individuals were injured when a Catholic church balcony collapsed during a packed mass in the Philippines. The Saint Peter the Apostle church in San Jose del Monte, near Manila, was hosting a crowded service on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of Lent.

Termites Weakened Wooden Gallery: Unseen Peril Causes Catastrophe

The tragic collapse was attributed to a hidden danger—termites had weakened the 30-year-old wooden gallery of the church. City building officials discovered the termite infestation after the incident, highlighting the unseen peril that led to the structural failure. The 80-year-old victim succumbed to chest injuries at a local hospital, while others sustained bruises and minor injuries.

Calls for Structural Inspection: Mayor Orders Closure

Mayor Arthur Robes has ordered the closure of the damaged church as investigators assess its structural safety. The incident underscores the importance of regular inspections to identify hidden structural risks. The Philippines mourns the loss on a day meant for solemn religious observance.

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