A tragic roof collapse at a Family Dollar store in Kansas City has left one person dead and several others injured, including one woman in critical condition.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon, July 27, at the Family Dollar location on Broadway Boulevard in midtown Kansas City. According to local reports from the Kansas City Star, FOX 4, and NBC affiliate KSHB 41, emergency crews were called to the scene just before 2:45 p.m. after the front facade of the store unexpectedly gave way.
Michael Hopkins, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD), confirmed that a 68-year-old man was killed in the collapse. A 50-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries, while two other individuals were treated for minor injuries and released.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the partial collapse of the building. Hopkins said investigators are reviewing the store’s maintenance records and will be checking for any previous reports concerning the structure’s integrity.
Photos from the scene show a portion of the building reduced to rubble, with bricks and debris scattered across the street. Police tape blocked off the area as firefighters and rescue workers responded.
Eyewitnesses told KSHB they rushed to help after the collapse, pulling victims from the rubble and calling 911.
The Kansas City Police Department is now leading the investigation. Broadway Boulevard between 36th and 38th streets is expected to remain closed as crews clear debris and officials examine the scene.
In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Family Dollar said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at the leased Family Dollar store on Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City. Our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted. We are conducting wellness checks with our employees and offering them resources and assistance.” The company also confirmed it has launched an internal investigation.
As the city mourns the loss of life and prays for the injured, officials are working to determine whether structural negligence or external factors may have contributed to the collapse.
