A serious incident unfolded on Saturday, 10 October, when part of the ceiling at a supermarket in Daegu, South Korea, collapsed, resulting in injuries to numerous customers. The collapse occurred around 10:16 a.m. local time in a building located in Gwaneum-dong, Buk-gu, where the supermarket was selling kitchenware on the second floor.
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Emergency services, including local police and fire departments, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the fallout from the incident. At the time of the collapse, there were 66 people inside the store, many of whom were elderly customers. Reports indicate that 38 individuals sustained injuries, although most were described as minor. Among the injured, nine were transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, as reported by The Korea Herald.
Eyewitness accounts provide a harrowing glimpse into the chaos that ensued as the ceiling began to give way. A fire department official explained that injuries were primarily a result of customers being struck by falling debris while trying to evacuate in a panic. One witness, a 79-year-old man named Kim, recounted that the entirety of the ceiling, measuring approximately 198 square metres, collapsed in less than 10 seconds, creating a deafening roar that prompted him to flee.
Another witness, 77-year-old Lee, described a terrifying moment as the roof fell, plunging the interior into darkness. “I thought, ‘I’m going to die,’” he recalled. He managed to escape by shielding himself from the descending materials with his hands and arms.
Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency (DMPA) is focusing on several potential factors that might have contributed to this shocking event. These include assessing structural vulnerabilities, evaluating the condition of the ceiling materials, and determining if leaks or increased weight from water damage played a role.
A police spokesperson confirmed that investigators will be taking a comprehensive approach to uncover the cause of the collapse. They will look into issues such as the ageing of the ceiling’s finishing materials, possible corrosion or detachment at connection points, and whether adequate safety measures were in place to prevent such disasters.
The building in question has been part of the community since its construction in 1994. Previously, it housed a grocery store on its first floor, which closed its doors in September. The event has raised concerns about the safety and structural integrity of older buildings in the area.
As the investigation continues, city officials are taking extra measures to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The local community is understandably shaken by the incident, particularly as many elderly individuals were involved. Local and national news outlets remain vigilant in their coverage, providing updates as more information becomes available.
The Daegu Fire & Safety Department, alongside the DMPA and Buk District Office, has been contacted for additional statements regarding the incident and ongoing safety measures. Community reactions remain mixed, with many citizens expressing their relief that the injuries, while significant, were not more severe considering the circumstances.
As the investigation unfolds, attention will likely turn to broader implications for building safety standards within South Korea, especially in light of the increasing number of ageing structures across the country.