1 dead, 53 injured after 2nd floor of Bulacan church collapses on Ash Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines – (Updated) One person died while injured individuals rose to 53 when part of the church's second floor collapsed in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

44 hurt after 2nd floor of Bulacan church collapses on Ash Wednesday
Photo Courtesy: City of San Jose del Monte Public Information Office

The incident happened in the middle of the mass around 7:00 am at St. Peter Apostle Parish Church in Barangay Tungkong Mangga, the SJDM Public Information Office reported.

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) further said that the second floor, which is made of wood, collapsed as people queued for the marking of ashes on their foreheads.

"Medyo marami po talagang tao dahil sabay po kasi siya eh sa pagpila ng pagpapahid ng abo kaya po talagang medyo dumagsa po ang tao," CDRRMO head Gina Ayson told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

Mayor Arthur Robes identified one fatality as Luneta Morales, 80, from Dela Costa Homes III, Barangay Graceville. She was serving as choir member at the St. Peter Church.

24 of the injured individuals were brought to the Ospital ng Lungod ng San Jose del Monte, nine in Tala Hospital, five in Brigino General Hospital, three in Skyline Hospital, two in Labpro Diagnostic Center and one in Grace General Hospital.

“Ayon sa mga saksi, may tumili nang malakas na sinundan ng sigawan, at tuluyan nang gumuho ang bahagi ng second floor,” SJDM PIO said.

The local government office will cover all of the medical expenses of the victims, according to the city PIO.

44 hurt after 2nd floor of Bulacan church collapses on Ash Wednesday
Photo Courtesy: City of San Jose del Monte Public Information Office

As of Wednesday morning, authorities are still conducting clearing operations. The church was temporarily closed pending the assessment of the city engineering and building officials.

— The Summit Express



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