A woman died and at least 53 people were injured when a balcony collapsed during a church service.
About 400 worshippers were attending Ash Wednesday mass when the horror unfolded yesterday (14 Feb) morning.
Footage of the aftermath shows churchgoers shrieking and sobbing as they lift each other over plastic chairs and other debris.
An 80-year-old woman, Luneta Morales, died in hospital from chest injuries.
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She was a member of the church choir.
Local officials believe part of the wooden floor gave way because it was overloaded.
They also believe the wooden balcony had been weakened by termites.
It collapsed as the faithful lined up to be marked with ash on their foreheads in St. Peter the Apostle Church in San Jose del Monte City, northeast of Manila, Philippines.
Survivor Geen Cruz told local media: “It suddenly collapsed. Someone pulled me. He had a lot of blood on his face. He pulled me to get out.”
By Wednesday afternoon, some of the injured had been treated and discharged, while others were still being kept under observation.
Bruises and shoulder pain were among the minor injuries sustained, according to local media.
Local officials have ordered the closure of the church so the damage can be assessed.
The city government has said it will cover the medical expenses of all those affected.
It will not pursue charges against the church, according to some reports.
The article features on Need to Know.
