Historic San Fernando Rey Church Wall Collapses in Ospino, Venezuela

On the afternoon of 25 July 2026, a side wall of the San Fernando Rey Church in the town of Ospino, Portuguesa state, gave way next to the bell tower. The collapse was attributed to years of roof leaks and accumulated moisture that weakened the structure.

The 19th‑century church, declared a National Historic Monument in 1960, was temporarily closed. Ex‑mayor Carlos Barrios called for urgent shoring of the remaining roof and asked the National Institute of Cultural Heritage to send engineers and restoration experts. Parish priest Juan Francisco Melchor warned residents to avoid the area, and municipal authorities, civil protection and firefighters began debris removal. Religious services and community events were relocated to the municipal civic centre while repairs are planned.