Photo credit: City of San Jose del Monte PIO

In a devastating event earlier this morning, during the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Barangay Tungkong Mangga, CSJDM, Bulacan, a portion of the church's second floor collapsed.

Immediate response teams from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, including personnel from the San Jose del Monte City Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of the City Building Official, City Traffic Management - Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, City Health Office, and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, rushed to the scene.

Eyewitnesses recounted that amidst the ceremony of applying ashes during the Mass, sudden shouts ensued, leading to the collapse of the second-floor section.

Mayor Arthur B. Robes personally visited the site to assess the situation and ensured that all individuals involved in the accident were promptly taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The local government has committed to covering all expenses related to the treatment of the injured. According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), 52 individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the nearest hospital, while one person unfortunately lost their life.

The Office of the City Building Official has initiated a damage assessment of the church. Mayor Arthur Robes has ordered the temporary suspension of Mass services to prioritize safety measures for everyone.

Additionally, sidewalk clearing operations have been carried out in the area to ensure public safety.

During the midday update, Dr. Erbe M. Bugay, Officer-in-Charge Chief of the Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte, sadly confirmed the passing of Lola Luneta Morales, an 80-year-old choir member from Dela Costa Homes III, Barangay Graceville, in the incident.

Meanwhile, some of the injured individuals have been discharged after receiving treatment and medication, while others remain under observation for further assessment and care.