A ceiling collapse at a commercial building in Daegu injured 38 people during a sales event aimed at older customers, prompting an investigation into the cause and the management of the venue. Nine of those injured were taken to hospitals, while authorities said none was believed to be in serious condition.
The accident occurred at about 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 10 on the second floor of a four-story building in Gwaneum-dong, Buk District. A distributor was promoting and selling household products, including electric heating mats and kitchen goods, in a space measuring about 198 square meters. All 66 people inside evacuated the building on their own.
- Time
- About 10:16 a.m. on Oct. 10
- Location
- Second floor of a commercial building in Gwaneum-dong, Daegu
- People present
- 66 attendees, all of whom evacuated
- Injuries
- 38 injured, including nine taken to hospitals
Witnesses described hearing rumbling noises before sections of the ceiling fell. Local reporting said one section dropped first, followed by other sections over roughly 10 seconds. Some attendees were struck on the head by falling material, while others reported pain or distress after the sudden collapse.
Initial accounts described the site as a supermarket ceiling collapse, but later reports placed the accident in an event space on the second floor. The supermarket on the first floor had closed at the end of September. Authorities also said the fallen material was ceiling finishing and its supporting framework, rather than the building’s main structural frame.
Emergency response and investigation
Fire authorities deployed 55 personnel and 18 vehicles after receiving the report. Emergency crews searched the premises, treated injured attendees and checked for anyone who might have remained inside. People who were not transported by ambulance either returned home or left using private vehicles.
President Lee Jae-myung ordered relevant agencies to make every effort in rescue operations and accident response after receiving a report from the acting national police chief. Prime Minister Han Sung-sook instructed the interior ministry and fire authorities to mobilize available personnel and equipment, identify hospitals able to receive patients and support treatment and psychological care.
Daegu police formed a dedicated investigation team involving serious-accident and forensic personnel. A joint inspection with the National Forensic Service was planned for Oct. 11. Investigators are expected to examine how the ceiling materials and supports failed, as well as whether the space and promotional event were operated with adequate safety controls.