roof collapse Roof failures Snow load Snow Loads

Part of shopping mall roof collapses after heavy snowfall in Minnesota, U.S.A.

*Collapsed part of Minnesota shopping mall's roof (credits AJ Miller, Drone Grown Photography, from weather.com)*

Part of a shopping mall’s roof collapsed around 9 a.m. on Tuesday in Duluth, Minnesota.

Shortly before the collapse, workers were removing snow from the mall’s roof. Luckily, they were alerted by popping noises and evacuated the area before the incident.

According to the Duluth Fire Chief, Shawn Krizaj, it is assumed that the collapse was at least partially due to snow load.

It is worth mentioning that according to fox weather, Duluth has received 116.4 inches of snow during this winter, 19.1 inches less than the current record, which was set in 1885. During the weekend, Duluth received more than a foot of snow.

The first responders also located a gas leak on site, which they successfully cut off.

Most of the shops and restaurants were still closed in the mall at the time of the collapse and luckily, no one was hurt.

The Mall was evacuated and will remain closed during Wednesday, with engineers checking the structural integrity of the rest of the building.