Argentinian Sports Center Roof Collapses Due to Severe Weather, Killing 13

Strong winds and heavy rains caused an Argentinian sports club’s roof to collapse Saturday, killing at least 13 people inside.

The roof and wall of the Bahiense del Norte club in the port city of Bahía Blanca collapsed disrupting a roller-skating competition that was happening at the facility, according to local officials, Buenos Aires Times reported.

The municipality said in a statement that firefighters were trying to pull out people who were trapped under the rubble.

Winds of over 87 miles per hour swept across the city, causing power outages in some parts. Parts of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area were damaged and flooded. 

Local mayor Federico Susbielles confirmed the 13 deaths on social media, according to the news outlet WION, and urged the public to avoid traveling on public roads.

“Together with the National Cabinet, we are following the storm in the Province of Buenos Aires. I deeply feel sorry for the victims in Bahía Blanca and I send my deepest condolences to their family and loved ones,” President Javieer Milei said on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.

Cindy Fernandez, a meteorological communicator, posted several pictures and videos of the storm on X, including ones showing fallen trees in multiple locations and footage apparently captured from inside a building showing the severe weather conditions.