Easter worshippers were left in floods of tears and two people were injured when a statue of the Virgin Mary burst into flames during an Easter parade.
The 5’6”-tall wooden statue was the centrepiece of the event in Vélez-Málaga, Spain, when it suddenly caught alight after a candle fell on it.
Robed devotees desperate to save it from the flames rushed forward and attempted to extinguish the fire with their bare hands, while another fruitlessly attempted to blow it out.
Video taken at the scene showed the statue ablaze while being carried through the streets on a float.
Onlookers screamed in shock before a man is seen rushing through the crowd holding aloft a fire extinguisher.
The extinguisher, provided by a nearby police patrol, was used to finally extinguish the flames without further incident.
However the parade was later cancelled as a result of the incident.
Some of those in the robes tried to beat back the flames with their bare hands (
Image: Jam Press Vid)
The organisers said in a statement: “Luckily, the fire was put out thanks to the quick reactions of members of the brotherhood and with the help of a fire extinguisher provided by a local police patrol.
“We wish a speedy recovery to the two injured.”
Now recuperating at home, the wounded worshippers were later named as brothers Francisco and Jesús, aged 24 and 19.
Organisers said 80% of the statue was damaged by the flames, but it is still “recoverable”.
Vélez-Málaga town hall announced it will help with the costs of repairing the statue.
Mayor Antonio Moreno Ferrer said: “The town hall has agreed to collaborate with the brothers and sisters of this brotherhood once the damage to the image, the mantle and the other ornamental elements of the float have been assessed by experts.
“We support our 19 local brotherhoods and the Association of Brotherhoods throughout the year and we believe it is important and necessary to collaborate with Pollinica and Rocío in these difficult times they are going through and in support of maintaining and conserving the rich historical and cultural heritage of our Holy Week and our city”
The wooden statue was carved by artist Juan Ventura in 1980.
Francisco Javier García del Corral, president of the town’s association of Holy Week brotherhood added: ‘It is a shame what has happened, but the important thing is that the image can be restored and that the men have not suffered serious injuries.”
