At least three people, including a child, were killed when the roof of a shopping centre in Trujilo, Peru, collapsed, injuring dozens more as searcha nd rescue teams get to work
Dozens have been injured and at least three killed – including a child – in a horror incident in where the roof of a shopping centre suddenly collapsed on those below.
Harrowing footage at the Real Plaza shopping centre in the north-west city of Trujillo in Peru showed the moments after the drama as people ran for safety and survivors trapped under the debris called out for help. The number of injured is currently at 79, as three fatalities were confirmed, including a child.
Witnesses caught up in the drama reported hearing a loud noise before the roof suddenly came down. One person said: “There was a very loud noise and then a cloud of dust where the roof caved in. This is happening now. I’m going to leave the area now because this is serious.”
Real Plaza, which operates a chain of shopping centres across 13 cities in Peru, said it would close all its businesses today as a mark of respect. A spokesman said in a statement: “At Real Plaza, we deeply regret what happened at our shopping center in Trujillo and express our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Likewise, we express our absolute support to all their families and to the injured due to this unfortunate accident. In close coordination with the authorities, we continue to work on rescue efforts and provide all necessary support to those affected and to the investigations that will determine the cause of the accident.
“Additionally, as a sign of mourning and solidarity with the victims, we have decided to keep all our shopping centres closed nationwide today, Saturday, February 22. We are committed to keeping families and the community informed, reaffirming our total willingness to assist those who need help at this difficult time.”
Peru’s Interior Ministry later released a video showing emergency responders working to free casualties. In the footage, a police officer can be overheard shouting: “Daniela, can you hear me?” before adding “Daniela, we’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out of there” after appearing to get a response.
The government department said in a post on X: “This is the exact moment police and firefighters work on the rescue of victims trapped under the debris. More than 200 police officers and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations. Up to now three people have died.”
It is currently unknown what had caused the collapse. An investigation into the tragedy is ongoing. Firefighter chief Gelqui Gomez, speaking as the full scale of the tragedy began to unfold, said: “We have rescued 13 people who were trapped, apart from those who were assisted by civilians.
“More or less around 20 people have been transferred to hospital. We have a preliminary death toll of three, two males and a female.”
