The roof of the well-known Real Plaza shopping center in Trujillo, Peru, collapsed over the food court, killing at least three people and injuring 79 others, according to police reports.
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred on February 21 at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time. The Peruvian Government’s Department of Interior Ministry shared a video of the aftermath on Twitter, stating: “This is the exact moment police and firefighters work on the rescue of victims trapped under the debris.”
“More than 200 police officers and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations. Up to now, three people have died.”
One harrowing clip captured a police officer calling out, “Daniela, can you hear me?” After seemingly receiving a response, he reassured the victim, “Daniela, we’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out of there.”
Another distressing video showed a man trapped under the debris shouting “ayuda”—Spanish for “help”—with his voice barely audible through the rubble.
Firefighters later reported that two men and one woman were among the deceased. However, a regional health chief later clarified that one of the victims was a child.
Witnesses described a “very loud explosion” before the roof gave way, followed by a “cloud of dust” engulfing the area. One witness recorded a video at the scene, stating: “This is happening now. I’m going to leave the area because this is serious.”
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.
Noticia en desarrollo… pic.twitter.com/mFcKpePyQy
— Ministerio del Interior 🇵🇪 (@MininterPeru) February 22, 2025
Real Plaza, which operates shopping malls in 13 cities across Peru, issued a statement expressing condolences:
“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.”
“Likewise, we express our absolute support to all their families and to the injured due to this unfortunate accident.”
“In close coordination with the authorities, we continue to work on rescue efforts and provide all necessary support to those affected and to the investigations that will determine the cause of the accident.”
“Additionally, as a sign of mourning and solidarity with the victims, we have decided to keep all our shopping centres closed nationwide today, Saturday, February 22.”
“We are committed to keeping families and the community informed, reaffirming our total willingness to assist those who need help at this difficult time.”
An official investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the collapse.