A young man in northern Italy
was crushed to death Thursday by a falling crucifix that was
built to honor pope John Paul II's 1998 visit to Brescia.
The 21-year-old's death comes just three days before John
Paul will be canonized in Rome.
The accident occurred in the town of Cevo, outside Brescia,
where the 30-meter-high sculpture stood outdoors near the Alps.
Its unusual, curved shape meant that the figure of Christ
was facing straight down, parallel with the ground below.
Witnesses said the victim, part of a visiting group of
young Catholics, was killed instantly, whereas another person
was taken to hospital for minor injuries.
The artist behind the cross was the late set designer
Enrico Job, the husband of celebrated Italian filmmaker Lina
Wertmueller.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA