Roof collapse at shopping center in northern Peru results in 6 fatalities and 78 injuries.

LIMA, Peru — A tragic incident occurred in northwestern Peru when the roof of a food court in the Real Plaza Trujillo shopping mall collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to at least 78 others, according to the defense minister’s statement on Saturday.

The heavy iron structure fell on Friday night as it was packed with shoppers. Walter Astudillo, the defense minister, provided updates during a news conference, revealing that the incident led to five fatalities at the scene and another death confirmed later at a hospital.

Astudillo noted that among the injured, 30 individuals have been released from medical care, while 48 remain in treatment, with three reported to be in critical condition. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.

Luis Roncal, the head of the local fire department, conveyed that rescue dogs were deployed to aid in the search, although they did not detect any further signs of life. He assured that efforts to find any remaining survivors would persist.

In response to the catastrophe, Trujillo’s mayor, Mario Reyna, declared the shopping mall to be closed due to the “imminent risk” it poses and indicated intentions to assess other shopping venues in the area for safety.