Trujillo: A tragic roof collapse at the Real Plaza shopping center in Trujillo, Peru, has claimed at least four lives, including a child. The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 PM local time, leaving 79 others injured, according to reports from Peruvian broadcaster Sol TV. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Rescue Operations
Emergency responders are searching the rubble for survivors. Video footage from the scene captures desperate efforts to locate those trapped. Witnesses described chaotic moments as people screamed for help and searched for loved ones amid the wreckage.
A police officer, seen in footage released by Peru’s Interior Ministry, was heard calling out to a victim: “Daniela, can you hear me?” He reassured her, saying, “We’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Many people present at the mall heard a loud noise moments before the roof gave way. More than 300 individuals, including families with children, were inside when the collapse happened.
Survivors described the terrifying scene, recalling how the structure suddenly crumbled, sending debris crashing down. Videos from the site show people frantically looking for their missing loved ones.
Uncertainty and Concerns
Relatives of those trapped are frustrated by a lack of clear information from officials. Some have expressed distress over the uncertainty surrounding their loved ones’ fate.
Yuri Carvajal, a family member of one of the missing persons, voiced his frustration: “We have not received any official information. We do not know if our relatives are alive or dead.”
Authorities are working to clear the debris, but fears persist that more bodies could be discovered. The full extent of the damage remains unclear as investigations continue.
Ongoing Response
Rescue teams remain at the site, working tirelessly to locate any remaining victims. Medical teams are treating the injured, while officials assess the structural integrity of the shopping center. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
