Nazarene procession stalled as rush to image causes crown to fall

MANILA, Philippines — As the image of the Black Nazarene is ushered out of the Quirino Grandstand, it’s crown fell from its head as devotees rushed to touch it.

Police were unable to control the crowd that broke through the barricades.

More than 10 million devotees are expected to join the procession around Manila before the image of the Black Nazarene is returned to its home in Quiapo Church.

A radio report quoted police as saying that the crowd at the Quirino Grandstand where a mass was held was about 150,000.

Related Stories:

MMDA reroutes traffic in Manila for Black Nazarene procession

Cops see Nazarene crowd 15% bigger; traffic advisory out

Job gets tougher each year for Nazarene’s ‘army’

The Black Nazarene of Quiapo