Priest killed by falling crucifix during church service in Ecuador

A tragic accident occurred on Saturday in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during a church service at the Perpetuo Socorro parish. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was presiding over a mass when a large wooden crucifix mounted above the altar detached and collapsed directly onto him. The incident took place approximately 30 minutes into the service and was captured on a live video stream recorded by congregants present in the church.

Despite immediate attempts by parishioners to assist him, Father Sánchez Molinari succumbed to his injuries. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil officially confirmed his death on Sunday through a social media statement, honoring his service as a priest in the central vicariate. The local community has expressed deep shock at the sudden loss.

Local authorities and the church have not yet determined the specific cause behind the failure of the crucifix's mounting. Initial reports indicate that there were no seismic activities in the region that could have triggered the collapse, leading to questions regarding the structural integrity of the fixture. It remains unclear if a formal technical investigation or structural audit will be conducted to establish the exact cause of the accident.