An 80-year-old woman has died after the second floor of a Catholic church gave way during an Ash Wednesday mass in Bulacan province, Philippines.

Grandmother and church choir member Luneta Morales died in hospital shortly after the incident at St. Peter Apostle Parish Church in the Malolos diocese.

There were around 400 attendees celebrating the beginning of Lent when the incident took place. According to local reports, dozens of churchgoers were injured when the section of the mezzanine floor collapsed, with some receiving treatment in a hospital.

The church, located northeast of the capital, Manila, has since announced the cancellation of all upcoming services whilst the building undergoes safety assessments and repairs at the order of the city's mayor.

Malolos church officials have encouraged parish priests to examine their church buildings in light of the tragedy, after it was reported the collapsed floor had a termite infestation.