Daegu commercial building ceiling collapse

On October 10, at approximately 10:16 a.m., a ceiling collapse occurred at a commercial building in Gwaneum-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu. The incident took place on the second floor of a four-story structure built in 1994 during a kitchenware sales event targeting elderly customers.

Approximately 38 people were injured, with nine individuals transported to hospitals for treatment. While 66 people evacuated the building independently, most injuries were reported as minor. No life-threatening injuries have been reported.

On October 11, the police and the National Forensic Service conducted a joint on-site investigation. Investigators are examining whether the collapse resulted from structural defects, poor construction, or the weight of a triple-layered ceiling structure composed of ducts, gypsum board, and plywood. Authorities are also investigating whether aging support wires failed. Home camera footage reportedly shows the ceiling panels collapsing in a chain reaction lasting about 10 seconds.

Further details 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. Preliminary findings noted that the building’s floor area falls below the 3,000-square-meter threshold required for mandatory regular safety inspections, suggesting a potential regulatory gap for smaller, aging structures.

In response, Daegu Mayor Chu Kyung-ho has pledged to conduct safety inspections of aging facilities across the city. President Lee Jae Myung has also instructed relevant agencies to ensure a thorough response and manage the aftermath of the accident.