Ecuador: Priest Killed by Falling Wooden Cross During Mass

A priest in Ecuador was killed while leading a church mass after a large wooden crucifix broke loose from the wall behind him and struck his head, as reported by ynet and Greek newspaper Ta Nea.

According to the reports, the incident occurred roughly half an hour after the start of the service, which was being broadcast live to worshippers at home. The priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was standing near the altar when the cross positioned above it gave way, striking him and causing his immediate death.

Further details regarding the circumstances of the structural failure and any inspection of the building have not yet been released.