LIMA, Feb 23, (V7N) - The death toll from a roof collapse at a bustling shopping center in northern Peru has risen to at least six, with 78 others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The accident occurred on Friday evening at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, Peru’s third-largest city, located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of the capital, Lima. Firefighters and police continued rescue efforts, searching for survivors trapped in the wreckage.

Dozens of families were present in the food court when the roof suddenly gave way, according to local media reports.

Defense Minister Walter Astudillo updated the casualty figures, stating that six people had died and 78 were injured. Among the injured, 48 were hospitalized, with three reported in serious condition. Additionally, ten of the injured were children, according to local health official Anibal Morillo.

The cause of the collapse remains undetermined. Shopping complex director Garlet Rodriguez stated that the food court roof had been installed in 2017 and had passed an inspection as recently as September 2024.

Footage and images circulating on social media captured the chaos, with one trapped victim crying out, "I'm just here, help!"

Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivanez estimated that the affected area of the collapsed roof spanned between 700 and 800 square meters (7,500 to 8,600 square feet).

According to the Regional Emergency Operations Center, the collapse occurred at 8:41 PM local time, though authorities were only alerted approximately half an hour later.

Rescue teams remain at the scene as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

END/WD/RH/