At least 38 people have been injured after a supermarket ceiling collapsed in South Korea. The incident occurred on Saturday at 10.16am local time in the city of Daegu, prompting the evacuation of the building.
According to the Daegu Fire Department, 66 other people evacuated the facility following the collapse. Nine people received treatment at hospitals. Fire department official Yoon Jong-mi said emergency personnel at the scene indicated it was highly unlikely anyone had suffered serious injuries, though it was possible the injury toll could rise.
Evacuation and rescue efforts
A photo from the scene showed emergency rescuers searching through debris following the collapse on the second floor of the four-story building. The Daegu Fire Department said those affected sustained minor injuries after parts of the plaster ceiling collapsed.
“People appear to have suffered injuries, including scratches from debris, as they rushed to evacuate in alarm,” a fire official said.
Investigation launched
According to officials, it was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, and an investigation has now been launched. The office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he instructed officials to make every effort to rescue people and ensure a thorough response to the collapse.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook also instructed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency to mobilize all available personnel and equipment and continue rescue efforts. The PM called on officials to identify nearby medical facilities to assist with treating those injured, and to ensure that anyone found injured was taken to hospital for treatment quickly.
