
The roof of the well-known Real Plaza shopping center in Trujillo, Peru, collapsed over the food court, killing at least three people and injuring 79 others, according to police reports.
Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred on February 21 at approximately 8:40 p.m. local time. The Peruvian Government’s Department of Interior Ministry shared a video of the aftermath on Twitter, stating: “This is the exact moment police and firefighters work on the rescue of victims trapped under the debris.”
“More than 200 police officers and firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations. Up to now, three people have died.”

One harrowing clip captured a police officer calling out, “Daniela, can you hear me?” After seemingly receiving a response, he reassured the victim, “Daniela, we’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out of there.”
Another distressing video showed a man trapped under the debris shouting “ayuda”—Spanish for “help”—with his voice barely audible through the rubble.

Firefighters later reported that two men and one woman were among the deceased. However, a regional health chief later clarified that one of the victims was a child.
Witnesses described a “very loud explosion” before the roof gave way, followed by a “cloud of dust” engulfing the area. One witness recorded a video at the scene, stating: “This is happening now. I’m going to leave the area because this is serious.”