SEOUL (Azat TV) – At least 38 people sustained minor injuries on Saturday after parts of a plaster ceiling collapsed inside a commercial building in South Korea, according to official reports. The incident occurred at a supermarket located in Daegu city, triggering an immediate emergency response and the evacuation of dozens of shoppers and staff members.
According to the ABC News report, local authorities received emergency notifications regarding the structural failure at 10:16 a.m. local time. The collapse specifically impacted the second floor of the four-story facility. First responders at the scene confirmed that 66 individuals managed to evacuate the building safely following the sudden structural failure, while rescue teams initiated searches through the resulting debris.
Emergency Response And Hospitalizations
Out of the 38 individuals who reported injuries, emergency medical personnel confirmed that nine people required transport to local hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment. The remaining injured individuals received care at the scene for minor cuts and bruises. Fire department official Yoon Jong-mi stated that while officials could not completely rule out the possibility of the injury toll rising as cleanup operations continued, emergency personnel determined it was highly unlikely that any victims suffered severe or life-threatening injuries.
As emergency crews secured the area, the office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued an immediate directive. According to Newsday, the president instructed relevant government officials and emergency agencies to mobilize all available resources to ensure thorough rescue operations and a comprehensive response to the incident.
Investigation Into The Collapse
As of Saturday afternoon, investigators have not determined what caused the plaster ceiling to collapse on the second floor of the multi-story commercial structure. Municipal authorities and building inspectors are expected to examine the structural integrity of the remaining sections of the building once clearance is granted by safety officers. Public safety officials have cordoned off the affected level while forensic engineering teams begin gathering evidence from the site.