Ceiling Collapse at Busan Department Store Triggers Evacuation, No Injuries Reported

Ceiling Collapse at Busan Department Store Triggers Evacuation, No Injuries Reported

A section of the ceiling at a major department store in Busan collapsed on Saturday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of customers and staff as emergency crews responded to the scene.

The incident occurred at the Centum City branch of Lotte Department Store, one of South Korea's largest shopping destinations, located in the Haeundae district of Busan. Authorities received an emergency report shortly after 3:00 p.m. indicating that part of the ceiling in the basement-level food hall had fallen.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, approximately 150 shoppers and employees were evacuated from the affected area as a precautionary measure while emergency personnel assessed the situation.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion as water suddenly began pouring from the ceiling before sections of finishing materials collapsed onto the floor. Images released by local emergency services showed water cascading through a large opening in the ceiling, resembling a waterfall inside the shopping complex.

Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been caused by a failure in the building's cooling water system. Officials believe a cooling water pipe may have become disconnected, resulting in significant leakage that weakened parts of the ceiling structure.

Following the incident, management announced an early closure of the department store to allow for comprehensive safety inspections and repairs. Engineers and maintenance teams have been tasked with determining the exact cause of the failure and assessing whether any additional structural risks exist within the facility.

A spokesperson for the department store stated that customer safety remains the company's highest priority and that a full investigation is underway. The spokesperson added that the store is cooperating closely with local authorities and safety experts.

Opened in 2007, the Centum City branch is a major retail and entertainment complex that attracts thousands of visitors daily. The temporary closure is expected to continue until safety inspections are completed and authorities confirm the building is safe for public use.

The incident has sparked discussions about infrastructure maintenance and safety management in large commercial buildings, with many residents calling for regular inspections to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Authorities are expected to release additional findings once the investigation is completed.