Daegu ceiling collapse injures 38 people at commercial building

A ceiling collapse at a commercial building in Gwaneum-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu, injured at least 38 people on October 10. The incident occurred on the second floor of a four-story building during a promotional sales event targeting elderly customers. Approximately 66 people were present and evacuated the building, with nine individuals transported to hospitals for medical treatment. Most injuries were reported as minor.

Authorities, including the Daegu Police Agency and the National Forensic Service, conducted a joint investigation on October 11 to determine the cause of the collapse. Investigators are examining whether structural defects, poor construction, or aging components, such as worn-out support wires, contributed to the failure. A home camera video from the site reportedly shows the ceiling panels collapsing in a chain reaction lasting about 10 seconds.

The building, constructed in 1994, has faced scrutiny regarding safety management. Reports indicate the second floor had been vacant for approximately 19 months prior to the event and the specific sales activity had not been reported to local authorities. Daegu Mayor Chu Kyung-ho has pledged to conduct safety inspections of aging facilities across the city to prevent similar occurrences.