Priest killed when wooden cross falls during livestreamed Mass
Patricio Sánchez died when a wooden cross fell from the altar at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during evening Mass.
The incident happened Saturday night at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, a coastal city about 265 kilometres southwest of Ecuador's capital, Quito. Patricio Sánchez was celebrating evening Mass when a heavy wooden cross fell from the wall above the altar and struck him on the head.
The service was being livestreamed on social media. Worshippers cried out for help and called for an ambulance as the broadcast continued.
Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries. Local authorities have not yet released a statement.
- Father Patricio Sánchez
- Priest's name
- Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Church location
- 265 kilometres southwest of Quito
- Distance from capital
- 1732
- Religious order founded
Why it mattersThe accident raises serious questions about building maintenance and structural safety in religious institutions where large gatherings occur.
AustraliaNo direct Australian consequence, but the incident was captured and widely shared on social media, drawing international attention to safety standards in church buildings.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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