Thousands attended a funeral mass for Spanish earthquake victims

A 13-year-old boy and a pregnant woman were among nine killed in the town of Lorca. The Spanish government has pledged financial aid to the rebuilding effort.

A FUNERAL MASS has been held in the Spanish city of Lorca for four of the nine people killed following an earthquake on Wednesday.

Thousands attended the service, which took place in a huge hanger on the edge of the town, reports the BBC. The Spanish Prime Minister and Crown Prince Filipe were among those in attendance. The Telegraph reports that the families of the five other victims chose to hold private services. A 13-year-old boy and a pregnant woman were among those killed.

Two quakes struck the town in quick succession on Wednesday causing major damage to buildings. The Mayor of Lorca has said that 80 per cent of the buildings in the city have been damaged. The funeral service could not be held in one of the city’s churches because of structural damage.

Thousands have been displaced from their homes, with many afraid to return because of the threat of aftershocks or falling rubble. Many have left the area or are living in makeshift camps. The Spanish Prime Minister Luis Rodriquez Zapatero has pledged government help to the rebuilding effort.