Full Breakdown
Ceiling Collapse at Daegu Food-Supply Mart Injures 38 Shoppers
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On October 10, a portion of the ceiling on the second floor of a four-story commercial building in Gwaneum-dong, Buk District, Daegu, gave way during a promotional kitchenware event. The failure caused ceiling panels to fall in succession over roughly ten seconds. All 66 people present evacuated the premises on their own. Emergency responders later confirmed 38 individuals sustained minor injuries, of whom nine were taken to hospitals. No fatalities were reported.
Background & Context
The building, a reinforced-concrete structure erected in 1994, had remained vacant since March 2025. A company signed a use agreement on October 3 and resumed operations, hosting a sales event aimed at elderly consumers on the second floor. The first-floor grocery wholesale store had ceased operations in late September. The venue’s sudden structural failure occurred while mats, pots, health foods, rice and coffee were on display.
Data & Statistics
- People on site: 66 (evacuated without assistance)
- Injured: 38 (all minor)
- Hospitalized: 9 (treated for dizziness, scratches, and other symptoms)
- Emergency deployment: 60 fire-department personnel and 14 pieces of equipment
- Building size: 892 m², four stories, built 1994
- Investigation team: 33 police investigators, including Serious Accidents Investigation Unit and Forensic Science Unit
Official Statements & Responses
President Lee Jae Myung instructed relevant agencies to prioritize rescue efforts and ensure a thorough response. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency to identify nearby medical facilities, mobilize all available equipment and personnel, and provide psychological support to victims.
Mayor Choo Kyung-ho directed the Buk District Office, fire authorities and police to coordinate rescue operations and medical care for the injured. District Mayor Lee Keun-soo expressed deep regret over the incident and pledged cooperation among the police, fire department and local government to manage the aftermath.
The Daegu Fire Headquarters reported that injuries resulted primarily from debris scratches incurred during the panic-driven evacuation. Police confirmed the items being sold at the site and noted that the building was not subject to statutory regular safety inspections, highlighting potential gaps in oversight of aging structures.
Authorities plan a joint on-site inspection with the National Forensic Service and will examine the building owner’s liability, including possible charges of professional negligence resulting in injury.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I hope the injured recover quickly,” — Symptoms Daegu Mayor Choo
- “It is understood that citizens were injured, such as being scratched by building debris, while panicking and evacuating.” — fire official
- “We have confirmed that items such as mats, pots, health foods, rice, and coffee were being sold at the accident site.” — police official
- “I am deeply regretful that an accident occurred due to a falling ceiling finish during a promotional event,” — District Mayor Lee Keun-soo, buk-gu district mayor
What’s Next
The police investigation team will conduct a joint on-site inspection with the National Forensic Service within the next day. Officials will also review the building’s compliance with safety regulations and consider forming a dedicated task force to prevent similar incidents in the future.