Peru Shopping Mall Tragedy: Roof collapse in Trujillo causes 8 deaths and 84 Injuries
A tragic roof collapse at Real Plaza shopping mall in Trujillo, Peru, has left eight dead and dozens injured, prompting rescue operations, public outrage, and a nationwide closure of malls.
A tragic incident occurred at the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping mall, where the roof over the food court collapsed, injuring multiple adults, elderly people, and children. The collapse took place at 8:41 p.m. on Friday, February 21. So far, authorities have confirmed eight fatalities and 84 injuries.
The mall management stated they're cooperating with rescue operations, while representatives from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Indecopi arrived at the scene to conduct investigations. Meanwhile, La Libertad's regional government has declared a period of mourning on February 22 and 23.
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Peruvian government continues search in collapsed mall
The food court roof at Real Plaza shopping mall in Trujillo, north of Peru’s capital Lima, collapsed around 8:45 p.m. on Friday, February 21, while dozens of families were dining, according to Peruvian news outlet Sol TV.
Nine children aged between 10 and 12 are among those injured. Additionally, 11 people are hospitalized in serious condition, Mayor Mario Reyna and Health Manager Aníbal Murillo reported in a press conference covered by Sol TV, which also released an official list of victims.
Multiple individuals reportedly remain trapped beneath the debris. Videos from the scene show emergency and rescue personnel working urgently to locate people potentially buried under the wreckage.
Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez stated that the collapsed roof area spans approximately 700 to 800 square meters. “We urgently require hydraulic cranes to remove heavy sections of the roof and proceed with rescue efforts for any survivors still trapped,” he noted, as reported by America TV.
The tragedy left critics in Peruvian society over construction laws. Photo: La Republica.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre revealed the collapse wasn't reported until 30 minutes after it occurred, according to La Republica. Additionally, rescue operations faced criticism for inadequate equipment and delays.
Minister Santiváñez emphasized, “We're coordinating to bring in rescue specialists immediately. Our main priority is saving lives, but that demands proper machinery," as quoted by Peruvian newspaper La Republica.
Real Plaza's spokesperson expresses condolences for victims in Trujillo
A representative from Real Plaza issued a statement through the media, saying, “We deeply regret the incident at our Trujillo shopping center and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. We also offer our full support to the victims' families and those injured in this tragic event.”
The spokesperson added that the shopping center is closely collaborating with authorities during rescue operations, aiming to “provide all necessary assistance to those affected and support the ongoing investigation to determine the incident's cause.”
“We remain committed to transparently informing families and the community and reiterate our complete readiness to aid anyone needing support during this challenging time,” the spokesperson concluded.
Following the accident, all Real Plaza shopping malls nationwide have reportedly been closed as a precaution.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the collapse.