At least eight people were killed and 78 others injured after the roof of a food court collapsed at a shopping mall in northwestern Peru, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The incident occurred when the roof of the shopping center’s food court caved in, sending a heavy-duty structure crashing onto the children’s area below.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene within minutes and worked tirelessly through the night to pull survivors from the rubble. Of the 78 injured, 30 have been discharged from local hospitals, while 48 remain under care, including three listed in critical condition, according to Peru’s state news agency, Andina.

The collapse has sparked outrage and grief across the region. President Dina Boluarte addressed the nation, vowing a thorough investigation and harsh consequences for those at fault. “We cannot allow economic interests to take precedence over human lives,” she declared. Early reports suggest the structure may have suffered from inadequate maintenance, prompting the Trujillo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to launch a criminal probe.

In response to the crisis, Peru’s Health Ministry has issued an urgent call for blood donations to meet the overwhelming medical demand. Meanwhile, the La Libertad regional government has declared two days of mourning to honor the victims.

As rescue efforts wind down, questions loom over the safety of public spaces in the country, with authorities promising accountability for this devastating loss of life. (ILKHA)