A Catholic priest died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident was captured on a livestream as Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez led the service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Saturday.
Footage showed the wooden cross, which was mounted on a wall near the altar, suddenly toppling over and striking the priest, pinning him against the pulpit.
Churchgoers immediately rushed to help the priest, with people heard shouting for assistance and calling for an ambulance before the livestream was cut off.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil mourned Sanchez’s death and expressed its solidarity and support for his family and friends.
(Photo Courtesy: Patricio Sanchez/Facebook)
