A church service in Ecuador ended in tragedy when the large wooden cross from the altar fell on the priest, killing him.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Guayaquil. Parishioners were even livestreaming the service online.
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Catholic priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when a crucifix fell on him during a service in Ecuador. Congregants tried to help, but he died from his injuries. https://t.co/u2b4DaZPok
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Apparently, about half an hour after the service began, the wooden crucifix above the altar came loose and fell on the priest, who collapsed to the ground.
Those present immediately rushed to help Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, but were unable to save him. His death was later confirmed by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil.
Ecuadorian media outlets note that it remains unclear what caused the cross to detach.
So far, it is unclear whether the mounting was faulty, if there was any damage, or if a technical assessment will be conducted to determine the causes of the accident. Nor does it appear that an earthquake occurred that could have caused the cross to detach.
Source: Proto Thema
