Pope Benedict prays for roof collapse victims

Pope Benedict XVI today prayed for the victims of the roof collapse in Poland and said he was joined spiritually to their families.

Rescuers were today searching for victims buried when the roof of an exhibition hall in southern Poland collapsed on a racing pigeon show, killing at least 66 people and injuring a further 160.

“In greeting Polish pilgrims, I am thinking about the tragic accident that happened yesterday evening in Katowice, in which many people lost their lives,” Benedict said, speaking in Polish as he appeared at his studio window to faithful in St Peter’s Square, Rome.

“I entrust to God’s mercy all those who perished, I unite myself spiritually to their families and to those who in this event were injured,” the pope said. “To all, I give my warm blessing.”

Janusz Skulich, head of the Silesia region fire brigade said one body – included in his count of people killed – was still known to be in the building but other than that individual, “the probability that there are still victims in there is very, very small”.