A devastating accident occurred at The Real Plaza shopping mall in Trujillo, Peru, when the roof of the food court collapsed, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
The incident, which took place on the evening of Friday, February 21, has left the nation in shock as emergency response teams work tirelessly to rescue trapped individuals and provide aid to the injured.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collapse, and there is growing concern about the structural integrity of buildings in commercial centers across the country.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The food court roof at The Real Plaza shopping mall in Trujillo collapsed at approximately 8:45 p.m. local time while families and shoppers were dining.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when a loud noise was heard, followed by a massive cloud of dust as the roof gave way. The collapse occurred suddenly, trapping many people under the debris and causing widespread panic among visitors.
Fire department Commander Gelqui Gómez confirmed that at least three individuals lost their lives in the tragedy. Among the deceased were two men and a woman. Additionally, reports indicate that 79 others sustained injuries, including nine children between the ages of 10 and 12.
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Eleven of the injured are in serious condition and are receiving urgent medical care in local hospitals. The Regional Emergency Operations Centre reported that the collapse was not immediately reported, with a delay of approximately 30 minutes before emergency responders were notified, potentially hampering immediate rescue efforts.
Muy triste lo que acaba de pasar en el Real Plaza de Trujillo. Se cayó el techo del patio de comidas sobre varias personas. Una pena carajo, sabiendo que ya había sido clausurado por Defensa Civil pero la corrupción pudo más. pic.twitter.com/UBqi9RsKru
— Paolo Murga Mines (@PaoloMurga) February 22, 2025
Videos from the scene show emergency personnel working frantically to locate and extract those still trapped under the wreckage. Witnesses recounted their horror, describing the chaos and confusion that followed the incident.
The scale of the collapse, estimated to cover an area of 700 to 800 square meters, necessitated the use of heavy hydraulic cranes to remove large sections of debris and ensure a thorough search for survivors.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
Interior Minister Juan José Santiváñez emphasized the urgent need for specialized rescue operations. He stated that the priority remains saving lives, and to achieve that, authorities require appropriate machinery to remove the remaining heavy debris. Criticism has been directed at the lack of immediate heavy equipment at the scene, which some argue may have slowed down rescue efforts.
Authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of all shopping malls across Peru as a precautionary measure while they conduct structural assessments to prevent similar incidents. Mayor Mario Reyna and Health Manager Aníbal Morillo have been actively coordinating rescue operations, working closely with hospitals to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
The government has assured the public that an in-depth investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the roof collapse.
Questions have been raised regarding maintenance practices and whether negligence played a role in the structural failure. Structural engineers and safety officials are currently assessing the remains of the building to identify any weaknesses or defects that may have contributed to the disaster.
Impact and Statements from Authorities
The impact of the incident extends beyond the immediate casualties and injuries. Families affected by the collapse are grappling with the loss of their loved ones, while the injured face long recovery periods.
Psychological trauma is also a significant concern, as many survivors and witnesses have described the distressing scenes they experienced during the collapse.
A spokesperson for The Real Plaza issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the tragic incident. They extended their condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that the mall is working closely with authorities to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
The company has pledged to provide full support to those affected and cooperate fully with investigations aimed at determining the cause of the collapse.
As rescue efforts continue, Peruvians are demanding accountability and measures to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future. Calls for stricter building safety regulations and more rigorous inspections of commercial establishments are growing louder.
While the full extent of the damages and the underlying causes are yet to be determined, one thing remains clear: this tragic event has raised serious concerns about structural safety in public spaces and the measures in place to protect citizens.
As the nation mourns and awaits further developments, authorities are being urged to act swiftly to prevent future disasters, ensuring that shopping malls and public buildings adhere to the highest safety standards.
The collapse of The Real Plaza shopping mall food court serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper structural maintenance, accountability, and preparedness in preventing such catastrophic incidents.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏