4 months ago
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At least 13 people have died and many more are injured following the collapse of a sports centre roof during a violent storm.
The collapse took place at the Bahiense del Norte Club, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, during a rolling-skating exhibition.
Around 11 people were 'seriously injured' and rushed to hospital following the incident at around 8pm local time, which was caused by 95mph winds.
Families with young children are said to have been in the sports club when the roof collapsed.
Around 11 people were 'seriously injured' and rushed to hospital following the incident
The storms have left most of Bahia Blanca without electricity and 315 people have been evacuated
No information has been released about the victims and their ages.
Bahia Blanca mayor Federico Susbielles confirmed the death toll in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 17.
He said: 'It is with great pain that I have to say that the deaths of 13 people have so far been confirmed.
'We ask the public to take extreme care and not travel on public roads.
'Faced with the catastrophe in the city, the entire government team, together with the police, civil defence, traffic chiefs, firefighters and the army, are working to assist those who need it.'
City hall chiefs said in a tweet: 'The situation caused by the storm is a catastrophe.
'Multiple injuries are reported from roof collapses and roofs being blown away, some extremely serious.
'The most complex incident has taken place at the Bahiense del Norte Club.
'Medical emergency and civil defence teams are working at the scene.
The collapse took place at the Bahiense del Norte Club, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina
Families with young children are said to have been in the sports club when the roof collapsed
'The official information from weather experts is that there were storms with gusts of wind that reached 84mph.
'The weather conditions are now improving with the passing of the storm front.'
Video footage taken during the storm shows torrential rain, lightning and gusting winds lifting up canopies.
The Bahiense del Norte Club, known in Bahia Blanca as the Ginobili family club, is where Argentine basketball player Manu Ginobili trained as a youngster.
Ginobili said in a tweet: 'Very sad for what my club, my city and the region is going through.
'A big hug for everyone and my condolences to the families of the victims.'
The presidential office recommended that residents remain inside their homes through Sunday morning.
Argentinian president Javier Milei said: 'I deeply regret the victims that this storm caused in Bahía Blanca and I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
'We will provide information as we have it.
'We ask everyone who is in risk areas to stay in their homes.'
His office tweeted: 'The national government is monitoring the delicate situation generated by the electrical storm in the province of Buenos Aires.
'We recommend that the population check the meteorological service and, if necessary, stay in their homes during the early hours of the morning.
'The wind gusts exceeded 150kmh (93mph) in Bahía Blanca and an orange alert is in place in different areas of the province of Buenos Aires.
'At this moment, the National Cabinet is working together with the provincial and municipal authorities to assist the victims and control the damage.'
City hall chiefs said 315 people have been evacuated from Bahia Blanca.
The storms have left most of Bahia Blanca without electricity.
Weather chiefs have been accused by locals of failing to properly alert the population about the storm.
