Mexico - The 108-foot-tall sculpture of Christ the Fisher situated in La Concordia within the Mexican state of Chiapas was completely consumed by fire after being struck by lightning on September 10.

Following the incident, the Secretariat for Civil Protection and the local municipal police arrived at the site to assess the extent of the damage. Civil Protection, in a Facebook post, explained that the fire had spread throughout the structure due to the impact of lightning and the presence of combustible materials, resulting in the statue's collapse and complete destruction.

The Señor de la Misericordia (Lord of Mercy) Parish conveyed in a statement to ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner, that the "sacred image" held a significance beyond being a mere symbol, as it had represented and strengthened the faith of the local community for many years.

After expressing their sorrow over the accident, the parish expressed their hope for the commencement of other "endeavors and projects" that would serve the "common good" and contribute to the "comprehensive growth" of the town.

When contacted by ACI Prensa, the authorities indicated that a decision regarding the replacement of the statue had not yet been reached.

Christ the Fisher, crafted by Peruvian sculptor Pedro Víctor Cuya Ramos, had its construction initiated in 2014, and six years later, it was completed with financial support from various donors. Inside the statue were stairs leading up to the eyes of Christ, providing visitors with a vantage point to view the city of La Concordia and a significant portion of the La Angostura Dam, a popular fishing location for local residents.

The monument stood at an impressive height of 33 meters, with 12 meters at the base and an additional 21 meters for the statue itself, symbolizing, as stated by Cuya Ramos, the years of Jesus's earthly existence.

"For many years, it held the distinction of being the tallest [image of Christ], not only in Mexico but also in many parts of the world. Today, the people of La Concordia and Concordia fondly reminisce about the image and the photographs, all that remains of its once imposing and grand stature," the sculptor recounted to ACI Prensa.

Mexican media outlet Vanguardia reported that the sculpture was predominantly made of fiberglass. Although non-flammable, it is susceptible to melting at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.