Death toll reaches 22 after Nigerian church collapses

Death toll reaches 22 after Nigerian church collapses

2012-04-11 02:28:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

MAKURDI, NIGERIA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll has risen to at least 22 after a Catholic church in rural Nigeria collapsed ahead of a vigil over the Easter weekend, officials said on Tuesday. More than 30 others were injured.

The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. local time on Saturday when hundreds of worshipers were waiting for the priest to start the evening's mass to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. People from across the region had gathered at the church to celebrate Easter.

But panic broke out when the weather condition quickly deteriorated, with strong winds and heavy rains hitting the area, prompting people to flee inside the hall of the church to seek shelter. A strong wind gust caused the roof of the building to collapse shortly after, burying dozens of worshipers.

A police spokesman said at least ten people died at the scene of the incident, but officials confirmed on Tuesday that the death toll had risen to at least 22 after several people died as a result of their severe injuries. More than 30 people were injured in the collapse, although their conditions were not immediately known.

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