13 Killed, 16 Injured After Church Collapses in South Africa

By Staff, Agencies

According to health officials, the building in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal collapsed during a service due to heavy rainfall in the area.

At least 13 people died and 16 were wounded after a brick wall of the Pentecostal church in the city of Empangeni collapsed at the start of Easter services, SABC reported.

"The roof of the building collapsed because of heavy rains last night… at this point, we have a total of 13 fatalities", explained Lennox Mabaso, spokesperson for the KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Department.

KwaZulu Natal's provincial government has sent condolences to the victims and their families, also vowing to conduct an investigation into the tragedy.