By Frank Kamuntu
A church roof collapsed during Sunday Mass in a northern Mexican city killing at least nine people and injuring 40, authorities said, as rescuers worked into the night, desperately looking for another 30 people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Working under floodlights, military personnel supported emergency services using rescue dogs and earth-moving equipment to identify and dig out survivors from the ruins of the church in Ciudad Madero, a city on the Gulf coast near the port of Tampico.
Footage on social media showed the moment the church roof caved in, puffs of grey smoke billowing into the air, followed by the toppling of yellow brick outer walls.
Nine people died and another 40 were taken to nearby hospitals, while 30 other worshippers remained unaccounted for, Jorge Cuellar, spokesperson for the Security Ministry of Tamaulipas state, which borders Texas.
Speaking on Foro TV news channel, Cuéllar thanked local businessmen for bringing equipment to help remove rubble and aid rescue efforts.
Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshippers were receiving communion and asked others to pray for the survivors.
“At this moment the necessary work is being carried out to pull out the people who are still under the rumble,” Bishop Armando said in a recorded message shared on social media.
Building collapses can occur due to various factors. Here are some common causes:
- Structural Defects and Poor Design:
- Buildings with design flaws or inadequate structural integrity are at risk of collapse. These defects may include insufficient support, weak foundations, or improper load distribution.
- Substandard Construction Materials:
- The use of low-quality materials during construction compromises a building’s strength and durability. Inferior concrete, steel, or other components can lead to structural failure.
- Negligence and Poor Maintenance:
- Neglecting regular maintenance and repairs can weaken a building over time. Cracks, leaks, and corrosion should be promptly addressed to prevent deterioration.
- Natural Disasters:
- Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and heavy winds can cause buildings to collapse. Proper design and construction techniques can mitigate these risks.
- Foundation Issues:
- A weak or unstable foundation can lead to settlement, tilting, or sinking of the building. Over time, this can compromise the entire structure.
- Fire and Explosions:
- Fires weaken structural elements, and explosions can cause sudden collapse. Fire-resistant materials and safety protocols are essential.
- Human Error:
- Mistakes during construction, alterations, or renovations can weaken a building. Inadequate supervision, lack of training, or shortcuts contribute to errors.
- Overloading and Excessive Weight:
- Exceeding a building’s load-bearing capacity (e.g., adding extra floors or heavy equipment) can strain the structure and lead to collapse.
- Age and Deterioration:
- Older buildings may suffer from material decay, rust, and fatigue. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.
- Environmental Factors:
- Soil erosion, landslides, and groundwater fluctuations affect a building’s stability. Proper site analysis is essential.
