A Roman Catholic priest celebrating an evening Mass in southwestern Ecuador has died after a crucifix fell on him during the livestreamed service.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, a coastal city 265 kilometers (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito, identified the priest as Patricio Sánchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church.

Footage of the service on Saturday night shows a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head as he celebrated Mass. He did not appear to see it falling.