A tragic roof collapse occurred at the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping center on the evening of February 21, 2025, throwing the popular destination for families and diners under the weight of grief and chaos. Around 8:42 p.m., the roof of the food court suddenly fell, leaving at least three people dead and more than seventy injured. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic, with screams echoing through the hallways as patrons attempted to flee.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, "There are three fatalities at the moment." Gelqui Gómez, the commander of the Trujillo Fire Department, confirmed to Canal N, "Two men and one woman are among the deceased." Among those killed was reportedly a minor, as detailed by Aníbal Morillo, the regional health director, who expressed deep regret, stating, "It is sad news. The structure has collapsed."
Images and videos shared on social media showcased the extensive damage; debris littered the food court, where families had been enjoying meals just moments before the disaster struck. Rescuers worked tirelessly, with over 200 police and firefighters mobilized to aid those trapped beneath the rubble. The emergency response teams scrambled to pull as many victims to safety as possible, with reports indicating at least 13 people were rescued from the wreckage.
Following the collapse, medical facilities across La Libertad were put on high alert, with the Ministry of Health dispatching medical brigades to assist with the situation. Many victims were sent to nearby hospitals, where medical professionals evaluated their conditions and began urgent treatments. Eyewitnesses shared harrowing stories of narrow escapes; one witness described feeling as if the building were shaking, initially mistaking the noise for gunfire, and another mentioned kids playing near the area of impact.
Rescue operations faced challenges, including the need for specialized machinery to lift large debris, which hindered efforts to reach potential survivors. Families of the victims expressed frustration over the slow response and lack of effective communication from the shopping center management. One distraught family member, Yuri Carvajal, stated, "We need machinery. It’s already 11 at night, and nothing is coming. Help hasn’t arrived," reflecting the desperation felt among those searching for information about their loved ones.
This incident did not occur without prior warning. The Real Plaza had been subjected to safety inspections just weeks earlier, with concerns about structural stability arising. On January 5, 2025, the mall reopened after having addressed these safety observations; nearly two months later, this catastrophic event raises questions about the quality of the assessments carried out. Local authorities are now launching investigations to ascertain whether negligence played any role in the disaster.
The situation is still developing, with rescue teams continuing their search for anyone who may still be trapped. César Vásquez, the Minister of Health, confirmed efforts are being ramped up with the transportation of additional medical teams and resources to the scene. Authorities indicated they require specialized equipment to expedite the recovery and rescue processes.
The community has responded with solidarity, with neighboring businesses and volunteers offering assistance to the emergency response teams. Local politicians have voiced their condolences and called for thorough investigations. Acuña, the governor of La Libertad, stated via social media, “My condolences to the families of the victims. I demand a thorough investigation.”
Families are grappling with their grief and fear, with many waiting anxiously for news about loved ones who may still be missing. Reports indicate the emotional toll heavy on people as they recount the anxious hours spent waiting for updates, often dispersed within chaotic emergency scenes. The government has committed to ensuring accountability as investigations progress, but for now, the focus remains on saving lives.
This heart-wrenching incident at the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping center serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and oversight, particularly in public spaces where large crowds gather. With calls for accountability and stringent safety measures echoing through the community, locals are hopeful for swift justice and the assurance of safety, so tragic events like this do not happen again.