An 80-year old woman died while more than 50 more people were injured after the old wooden balcony (mezzanine) of Saint Peter Parish Church in Brgy Tungkong Mangga, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan collapsed while conducting Holy Mass on celebration of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, on February 14, 2024.
Based on the initial report from the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO), the incident occurred around 7:30 in the morning when the mass ceremony was about to end.
The victim who did not survive because of the injuries she suffered identified as Luneta Morales, a senior citizen while not less than 50 more devotees including minors, teens and senior citizens suffered bruises and body pains.
Fr. Romulo Perez, parish priest said the mass started at 6:30 in the morning and the collapse incident happened while the victims were cueing up during marking of ashes.
According to the City Information Office, loud screams were heard inside after the incident from the injured churchgoers.
Responding personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office immediately brought the victims to different hospitals for treatment.
Mayor Arthur Robes directed the City Engineering Office to place under temporary closure of the church pending the assessment to be conducted by city officials.
PCol Relly Arnedo, Bulacan Police director said that preliminary investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway, as it was learned that the collapsed portion of the wooden made mezzanine was already old and fragile due to termites.
