Eyewitnesses are describing the harrowing moment a supermarket's ceiling came crashing down, injuring dozens of shoppers.
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The tragic incident occurred earlier this morning (Oct. 10) in Gwaneum-dong, Buk-gu, South Korea. Reportedly, the ceiling on the fourth floor of the supermarket building. The floor was particularly busy at the moment the ceiling came crashing down, as a company was selling kitchenware at the time, according to South Korean outlets SBS News, The Korea Herald, and The Chosun Daily.
Reportedly, 66 people were on the floor when the incident happened. Local first responders rushed to the scene. Per local outlets, the Daegu Fire & Safety Department and Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency (DMPA) reported that 38 shoppers, many elderly, were injured, with most treated at the scene. They added that 9 were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
"It is understood that citizens were injured, such as being scratched by building debris, while evacuating in a panic," the DMPA explained to SBS News.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the sudden ceiling collapse.
"In relation to this accident, we plan to comprehensively investigate structural defects such as aging of the ceiling finishing materials, increased weight due to leaks, corrosion or detachment at fixed points, and the load of internal ceiling equipment, as well as whether safety measures were implemented," a police official told The Chosun Daily.
Eyewitness Admits Thinking "I'm Going to Die" as Supermarket Ceiling Came Crashing Down on Shoppers
Meanwhile, a 79-year-old eyewitness recounted seeing the roughly 2,130 square feet ceiling come crashing down on shoppers.
"As soon as I saw the ceiling caving in, I ran out immediately," the shopper, identified only as Kim, told The Chosun Daily. "It took less than 10 seconds for the entire ceiling to collapse with a roar."
Yet another eyewitness, 77, confessed they thought the moment spelled certain death.
"As the ceiling collapsed, the inside of the building suddenly went dark. I thought, 'I'm going to die,'" another eyewitness, identified as Lee, recalled thinking. "I barely crawled out by blocking the collapsing ceiling materials above my head with my hands and arms."
Reportedly, the building was constructed back in 1994. A grocery store that occupied the first floor shuttered last month.
Here's hoping those injured shoppers make a swift recovery and are hunting for good deals ASAP.
