Bucharest Shopping Center Evacuated After Drop Ceiling Collapsed

The accident took place in the Carrefour-Vitan Barzesti shopping center in Bucharest’s 4th sector.

Eleven emergency crews were sent to the scene, but several were recalled after it was found that no one was hurt.

According to Cristian Popescu Piedone, mayor of sector 4, the 500 sqm ceiling’s plates collapsed one by one, without affecting the supporting structure. The ceiling was above a less busy area on the first floor, said the mayor, pointing out that, had the accident taken place on a week-end, it would have spelled disaster.

Piedone ordered a check-up of the building’s structure and the manner in which the drop ceiling was installed.

Authorities are considering closing the shopping center down pending the investigation.