SEOUL, OCTOBER 10, 2026 : At least 38 people sustained minor injuries after sections of a plaster ceiling collapsed inside a supermarket in Daegu, a major city in southeastern South Korea, on Saturday, October 10, fire officials said.
The incident prompted an emergency response, with firefighters and rescue personnel arriving at the scene to assess the damage, search through debris and ensure the safety of people inside the building.
According to the Daegu Fire Department, the collapse was reported at approximately 10:16 a.m. local time. Emergency officials said 66 additional people evacuated the facility following the incident.
Nine Injured People Taken to Hospitals
Of the 38 people reported injured, nine received treatment at hospitals. The injuries were described as minor, and officials said there were no immediate indications of serious casualties.
Daegu Fire Department official Yoon Jong-mi said the possibility of the injury toll increasing could not be ruled out. However, emergency personnel at the scene considered it highly unlikely that anyone had suffered serious injuries.
The evacuation helped move people away from the affected area while rescue workers assessed the situation and checked the debris for anyone who might have been trapped or injured.
Rescue Teams Search Through Debris
Photographs from the scene showed emergency rescuers examining debris following the ceiling collapse on the second floor of the four-story building.
The collapse raised immediate concerns about the structural safety of the affected area and the possibility of further falling materials. Emergency personnel worked to assess the scene and establish the extent of the damage.
As of the initial report, authorities had not established what caused the plaster ceiling to collapse. Further inspection would be required to determine whether the incident resulted from deterioration, installation problems, maintenance issues or another factor. These remain possibilities rather than confirmed causes.
South Korean President Orders Thorough Response
The office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said the president had instructed officials to make every possible effort to rescue people and ensure a comprehensive response to the incident.
The instruction underscored the priority of protecting those inside the building, confirming the extent of the injuries and coordinating the emergency response.
Authorities will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine whether any corrective measures are necessary to prevent a similar incident.
Building Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has highlighted concerns about public safety in buildings where large numbers of people gather for everyday activities such as shopping.
Ceiling collapses can occur for several reasons, including material deterioration, water damage, faulty installation or other structural and maintenance problems. However, the specific cause of the Daegu incident remains undetermined.
A detailed investigation and technical inspection would be necessary to identify the cause and establish whether safety standards were followed.
Situation at a Glance
- Location: Daegu, South Korea
- Date: October 10, 2026
- Reported injuries: At least 38, described as minor
- Hospital treatment: Nine people
- Evacuated: 66 additional people
- Reported time: 10:16 a.m. local time
- Affected area: Second floor of a four-story building
- Cause: Not immediately known
- Government response: President Lee Jae Myung instructed officials to ensure a thorough emergency response
The immediate priority remains the safety of those affected and a full assessment of the damaged area. Investigators will need to determine why the ceiling collapsed and whether further safety measures are required before the affected premises can be considered safe.
Source: Initial report citing the Daegu Fire Department and the office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
