Catholic priest is crushed to death in Ecuador when a giant crucifix falls on him during a livestreamed Mass

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari had just adjusted his spectacles when the heavy wooden cross mounted behind the altar of Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil tipped forward onto the back of his head. The horror unfolded about 27 minutes into Saturday afternoon's service. Parishioners rushed to free him from under the cross while the broadcast kept running online.

One worshipper was heard screaming: 'Father, Father … call an ambulance.'

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said he had 'departed for the Father's House'.