AKIPRESS.COM - President of South Africa Jacob Zuma announced on Tuesday night that 67 people were among the scores of those who died after a building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed on Friday in Lagos, Nigeria.

“I am greatly saddened to announce that 67 South Africans died and scores of others sustained injuries. This is a particularly difficult time for South Africa. Not in the recent history of our country have we had this large number of our people die in one incident outside the country,” Zuma said in a statement.

Over 300 South Africans were staying in the four-storey guesthouse on the grounds of the church when it collapsed while workers were adding two more storeys. The South Africans and others were hoping to see the church’s leader TB Joshua who claims to be able to cure even otherwise terminal illnesses, reported AP.

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues that have lost their loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy. The whole nation shares the pain of the mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who have lost their loved ones. We are all in grief,” Zuma said.