Store floor collapses in an instant
Allegations of poor construction raised in some quarters
A supermarket in China experienced a floor collapse inside the store just one day after opening. Some have raised suspicions of poor construction.
An accident occurred in China where a large hole formed as the floor of a supermarket sank just one day after opening. [Photo by docnhanh]
According to Chinese media Jumu News and foreign reports on the 19th, the accident occurred at a supermarket in Jiyuan City, Henan Province. The supermarket had opened for business the previous day.
CCTV footage capturing the incident shows customers shopping when suddenly the store floor gave way. Display shelves collapsed like dominoes and were sucked downward. Other videos shared on social media showed a large hole in the store floor.
An accident occurred in China where a large hole formed as the floor of a supermarket, which had been open for just one day, collapsed. [Photo by docnhanh]
Local authorities reported that two customers fell into the hole and sustained minor injuries. The accident site is currently sealed off, and authorities plan to investigate the exact cause.
Meanwhile, amid the investigation into the cause, suspicions of poor construction have been raised.
Since the supermarket had just opened the day before, and videos taken from beneath the collapsed floor show the hole is over 1 meter deep with brick walls on both sides, it appears to be a tunnel or sewer. This suggests that the space beneath the collapsed floor was originally empty.
Meanwhile, as investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, some are raising suspicions of poor construction. The store in question had just opened for business the day before, and a video taken beneath the collapsed floor shows that the hole is more than 1 meter deep, with brick walls on both sides. This resembles a tunnel or a sewer, leading to the conclusion that the area beneath the sunken floor was originally an empty space. [Photo by docnhanh]
Jumu News pointed out, "If the underground space of a supermarket, where many people and goods pass through, is empty, it is unsafe no matter how you look at it," adding, "Even if it was not the day after opening, it was bound to collapse eventually."
They further stated, "It is necessary to determine whether the underground space was properly assessed during construction and whether safety measures were adequate."
Two Main Causes of Sinkholes
In 2019, a sinkhole occurred on the road near Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul, and workers are conducting recovery operations. [Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@]
The causes of sinkholes are broadly divided into two categories. According to a report released last year by the National Assembly Legislative Research Office, urban sinkholes mostly result from changes in groundwater flow causing erosion or leaks due to damage to water and sewage pipes during construction.
There is not much an ordinary person can do when a sinkhole occurs. The National Safety Management Agency introduces the following public action guidelines for sinkhole preparedness.
First, secure safety by moving far away from the dangerous area. After ensuring safety, report the incident to 112 or 119 and loudly alert those nearby about the danger.
Above all, it is important not to approach if there are signs of a sinkhole. The signs vary slightly depending on the location. At construction sites, cracks or height differences may appear on surrounding roads.
Asphalt roads may become uneven or develop depressions. Also, if water suddenly gushes out or the road is wet despite no rain, caution is advised.
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