A devastating roof collapse at a busy shopping center in northern Peru has left at least three people dead and around 74 injured, according to authorities.The tragedy occurred on the evening of February 21, 2025, at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, Peru’s third-largest city.
Fire department Commander Gelqui Gomez confirmed the fatalities, stating, “So far we have three deceased, two men and a woman.” Local government health official Anibal Morillo reported that the number of injured had risen to 74, with 10 children and 11 seriously injured individuals among them.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as dozens of families were in the food court when the roof suddenly collapsed. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 100 firefighters and police officers searching through the debris. Unfortunately, there are reports of a child trapped under the roof’s metal structures.
Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivanez estimated that the collapsed roof area was approximately 700 to 800 square meters. The minister emphasized the need for hydraulic cranes to lift the heavy debris and continue rescue operations.
The incident occurred at 8:41 pm, but was only reported about half an hour later, according to the Regional Emergency Operations Center. As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, the people of Peru are left to mourn the loss of life and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
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