Three people – including a child – have been killed after the roof of a shopping centre collapsed.
79 others have been injured following the incident at the Real Plaza shopping centre in Trujillo, Peru, Peruvian broadcaster Sol TV reports.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported hearing a large bang just before the roof collapsed.
One person said: ‘There was a very loud noise and then a cloud of dust where the roof caved in.
‘This is happening now. I’m going to leave the area now because this is serious.’
In footage released by Peru’s Interior Ministry, a police officer could be heard shouting: ‘Daniela, can you hear me?’
He added: ‘Daniela, we’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out of there.’
A spokesperson for Real Plaza said: ‘At Real Plaza, we deeply regret what happened at our shopping centre in Trujillo and express our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased.
‘Likewise, we express our absolute support to all their families and to the injured due to this unfortunate accident.
‘In close coordination with the authorities, we continue to work on rescue efforts and provide all necessary support to those affected and to the investigations that will determine the cause of the accident.
‘Additionally, as a sign of mourning and solidarity with the victims, we have decided to keep all our shopping centres closed nationwide today, Saturday, February 22.
‘We are committed to keeping families and the community informed, reaffirming our total willingness to assist those who need help at this difficult time.’
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