Marian shrine damaged by lightning

The statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the Marian Shrine in Laventille was damaged by a lightning strike on Wednesday, around 1.30 pm.

According to the Archdiocese of Port of Spain’s Facebook page, no one was injured, the head of the statue of Mary is gone and there is a “massive crack” through the torso with a bit of the stomach missing. Parts  appear unstable and may fall.

Former parish priest Fr Dwight Merrick was told one of the contractors working at the shrine was leaning on it and got thrown when lighting struck.

“It is quite a disaster,” Merrick said.

A crane previously used during repair work will be used to remove the statue’s remnants.