Peruvian Shopping Mall Roof Collapses, Killing 3 and Injuring 79 – Investigation Underway
Tragedy Strikes at Real Plaza Shopping Mall in Trujillo
A horrific tragedy unfolded in Peru when the roof of a busy food court inside the Real Plaza Shopping Mall in Trujillo collapsed, killing at least three people and injuring 79 others. The devastating incident took place at around 8:40 PM local time on February 21, 2025, shocking the nation and prompting an urgent search-and-rescue mission.
The Real Plaza Shopping Mall is one of Peru’s largest retail chains, with locations in 13 cities, making it a popular destination for shoppers and families. The mall was particularly crowded on the evening of the incident, as many people were enjoying dinner at the food court when the tragedy struck.
Witnesses described the scene of chaos and destruction as tons of metal, concrete, and debris crashed down on unsuspecting diners. In the aftermath, social media quickly filled with images and videos capturing the terrifying moments following the collapse. Questions are now being raised about safety protocols, building maintenance, and construction integrity, as authorities work to determine what went wrong.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Scene of Chaos and Desperation
Shoppers enjoying their evening meals at the food court were suddenly plunged into terror as a loud, rumbling noise filled the air. Within seconds, tons of concrete and metal came crashing down, trapping dozens beneath the rubble.
One witness, a young man filming a TikTok video, unknowingly captured the moment of the collapse. In the now-viral clip, a loud cracking sound is heard before the camera shakes violently as people scream and run for cover. “I was just recording my food, and then it all came crashing down,” he later wrote.
Another witness described the shock and confusion immediately after the collapse.
“At first, I thought it was an earthquake. Then I saw people running, screaming, and crying. Dust filled the air, and I could barely see anything. It was like a scene from a horror movie.”
The panic escalated as friends and family members frantically searched for their loved ones in the rubble. Some victims managed to call for help using their cell phones, while others were completely trapped.
In a particularly gut-wrenching moment, a man was recorded screaming for help under the wreckage. In the video, his muffled voice can be heard repeating the Spanish word “Ayuda! Ayuda!” (“Help! Help!”), pleading for someone to rescue him.
As time passed, the fear among the trapped individuals grew, with many struggling to breathe due to the thick dust and debris. Some used their phone flashlights to signal rescuers, while others desperately attempted to dig themselves out.
Rescue Efforts: Heroes Amidst the Wreckage
More than 200 police officers and firefighters rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to free survivors trapped beneath the twisted wreckage. The Peruvian Government’s Department of Interior Ministry shared a dramatic video on Twitter (X), showcasing first responders digging through the ruins, navigating collapsed structures, and carefully removing debris.
One particularly heart-wrenching moment caught on camera shows a police officer calling out to a victim:
“Daniela, can you hear me? Daniela, we’re going to help you. We’re going to get you out of there.”
Rescue teams used specialized equipment, including infrared cameras and sound detectors, to locate trapped victims. The process was delicate, as any sudden movement could worsen the instability of the debris.
Firefighters worked relentlessly for hours, often using their bare hands to dig through rubble to reach survivors. A team of paramedics was on standby, treating victims as soon as they were pulled from the wreckage.
La @PoliciaPeru y el @cgbvpoficial continúan trabajando en las labores de búsqueda y rescate tras el derrumbe ocurrido en un centro comercial de #Trujillo. Hasta el momento hay 4 fallecidos y 78 heridos evacuados.
— Ministerio del Interior 🇵🇪 (@MininterPeru) February 22, 2025
Noticia en desarrollo… pic.twitter.com/mFcKpePyQy
Unfortunately, the efforts were not enough to save everyone. Among the deceased were two men and a woman, with reports later suggesting that one of the victims was a minor. Officials have yet to release their identities, but grieving families have already begun holding vigils outside local hospitals.
Shopping Mall Responds: Real Plaza Issues a Statement
In response to the tragedy, Real Plaza, which operates shopping centers in 13 cities across Peru, issued an official statement expressing their condolences and commitment to assisting those affected:
“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.”
In the wake of the collapse, Real Plaza announced a nationwide closure of all their malls on February 22, 2025, as a sign of mourning. Their official website, Real Plaza, provided updates regarding support for victims and ongoing investigations.
The company also stated they are cooperating fully with investigators to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
What Caused the Collapse? Authorities Launch Investigation
The big question now is: How did this happen?
According to Metro, investigators are currently examining whether structural failures, poor maintenance, or external factors contributed to the disaster. Officials are also looking into possible negligence in the construction or upkeep of the shopping mall.
Initial reports indicate that heavy rainfall earlier in the week may have weakened the roof structure, but engineers are also investigating whether proper safety measures were in place.
Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) is now conducting a thorough review of building permits, construction records, and maintenance logs. If violations are found, criminal charges could be filed against those responsible.
📢 Social Media Reactions: Public Outrage and Sympathy
As news of the collapse spread, thousands of people took to Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram to express their shock, grief, and frustration. Below are some of the most viral posts about the tragedy.
🔹 @MariaLopez_PE: “Heartbreaking news from Trujillo. My prayers go out to the victims and their families. This should have never happened. #RealPlazaCollapse”
📌 Read the full thread
🔹 @AndresGomez94: “How does a shopping mall roof just fall in like this? Was there any warning? Someone needs to be held accountable. #TrujilloMallDisaster”
📌 View post and comments
🔹 @NewsPeru24: “BREAKING: Authorities confirm 3 dead, 79 injured in shopping mall collapse. Investigation ongoing. Stay updated. #PeruNews”
📌 Read the full article
🔹 Facebook Live Broadcast: A citizen journalist went live minutes after the collapse, capturing rescue efforts and victims’ reactions.
📌 Watch the full broadcast
🔹 TikTok Video: A TikTok user posted a before-and-after clip of the food court just moments before the collapse. The video has now surpassed 2 million views.
📌 See the TikTok here
The outpouring of support has also led to fundraisers for the victims, with multiple donation campaigns emerging to help cover medical expenses and funeral costs.
💰 Support the victims’ families: Donate here
What’s Next? Safety Concerns for Public Spaces in Peru
The Real Plaza shopping mall disaster has sparked a broader conversation about building safety in Peru. Experts say that more rigorous inspections and stronger regulations may be needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Many are now questioning whether other shopping malls, schools, stadiums, and public buildings could also be at risk due to poor construction practices or lack of maintenance. With Peru being a country prone to earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, the incident has intensified demands for nationwide structural audits and strict enforcement of safety codes.
The Peruvian government is now being pressured to review existing safety regulations and implement stricter laws to prevent another disaster like this. Lawmakers have already proposed mandatory periodic safety inspections for large public venues, along with heavier penalties for negligence.
For now, authorities continue to search for answers, and families of the victims are left mourning the devastating loss. Meanwhile, citizens are urging officials to act swiftly to prevent another preventable tragedy from occurring.
🏗️ Are Peruvian malls safe? Read expert opinions: Analysis here
For now, Peruvian citizens remain on edge, waiting to see whether this tragic event will bring about the necessary reforms to prevent another disaster like this from happening again.
Featured Image Credit: @rykerflicks/X
