At least thirteen people have been killed and many more injured after the roof of a sports center collapsed during a violent storm.
The collapse occurred at the Bahiense del Norte Club, in BahÃa Blanca, Argentina, during a roller skating exhibition.
About 11 people were 'seriously injured' and rushed to hospital after the incident at around 8pm local time, caused by winds of 155km/h.
Families with young children were said to have been in the sports club when the roof collapsed.
About eleven people were 'seriously injured' and rushed to hospital after the incident
The storms have left most of Bahia Blanca without electricity and 315 people have been evacuated
No information has been released about the victims or their ages.
Bahia Blanca Mayor Federico Susbielles confirmed the death toll in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 17.
He said: 'It is with great pain that I have to say that the deaths of thirteen people have been confirmed to date.
“We ask the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid traveling on public roads.
“Faced with the catastrophe in the city, the entire government team, together with the police, civil defense, traffic controllers, firefighters and the military, is working to help those who need it.”
City Hall heads said in a tweet: “The situation caused by the storm is a catastrophe.
“Several injuries have been reported from roof collapses and roof blowing away, some of which are very serious.
'The most complex incident occurred at the Bahiense del Norte Club.
“Emergency medical and civil protection teams are working on site.
The collapse occurred at the Bahiense del Norte Club, in BahÃa Blanca, Argentina
Families with young children were said to have been in the sports club when the roof collapsed
'The official information from weather experts is that there have been storms with wind gusts of up to 130 km/h.
“Weather conditions are now improving as the storm front passes.”
Video captured during the storm shows torrential rain, lightning and gusts of wind lifting the canopies.
The Bahiense del Norte Club, known in Bahia Blanca as the Ginobili Family Club, is where Argentine basketball player Manu Ginobili trained as a youngster.
Ginobili said in a tweet: “Very sad for what my club, my city and the region are going through.
'A big hug to everyone and my condolences to the families of the victims.'
The presidential office advised residents to remain in their homes until Sunday morning.
Argentine President Javier Milei said: “I deeply regret the casualties this storm has caused in BahÃa Blanca and I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
“We will provide information as soon as we have it.
'We ask everyone who is in risk areas to stay at home.'
His office tweeted: “The national government is monitoring the delicate situation created by the electrical storm in Buenos Aires province.
“We advise the public to check the meteorological service and stay in their homes in the early morning hours if necessary.
'The wind gusts exceeded 150 km/h (93 mph) in BahÃa Blanca and an orange warning is in force in several parts of Buenos Aires province.
'The National Cabinet is currently working with the provinces and municipalities to assist the victims and control the damage.'
City Hall leaders said 315 people had been evacuated from Bahia Blanca.
The storms have left most of Bahia Blanca without electricity.
Weather chiefs have been accused by locals of failing to properly warn the public about the storm.
