Three people – including a child – have been killed after the roof of a shopping centre collapsed.

79 others have been injured following the incident at around 8.40pm last night at the Real Plaza shopping centre in Trujillo, Peru, Peruvian broadcaster Sol TV reports.

Video taken at the scene shows rescue workers desperate attempts to search for people hidden in the rubble.

Other videos show people calling out for their loved ones trapped in the rubble.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported hearing a large bang just before the roof collapsed.

One person said: ‘There was a very loud noise and then a cloud of dust where the roof caved in.

‘This is happening now. I’m going to leave the area now because this is serious.’

In footage released by Peru’s Interior Ministry, a police officer could be heard shouting: ‘Daniela, can you hear me?’

He added: ‘Daniela, we’re going to help you, we’re going to get you out of there.’

More than 300 people were at the shopping centre at the time of the collapse, including children.

It is feared more people could be dead if more bodies are found in the debris.

Relatives of those trapped say they have received a lack of information from authorities.

Yuri Carvajal, one of the relatives of those missing, said: ‘We have not received any official information, we do not know if our relatives are alive or dead.’

A spokesperson for Real Plaza said: ‘At Real Plaza, we deeply regret what happened at our shopping centre in Trujillo and express our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased.

‘Likewise, we express our absolute support to all their families and to the injured due to this unfortunate accident.

‘In close coordination with the authorities, we continue to work on rescue efforts and provide all necessary support to those affected and to the investigations that will determine the cause of the accident.

‘Additionally, as a sign of mourning and solidarity with the victims, we have decided to keep all our shopping centres closed nationwide today, Saturday, February 22. 

‘We are committed to keeping families and the community informed, reaffirming our total willingness to assist those who need help at this difficult time.’

The lack of machinery to help with the rescue effort has led to criticism of local authorities and the shopping centre.

This is because private companies operating in the region, which have the necessary machinery, have not yet been called in to help remove the rubble.

The Interior Minister said: ‘We are coordinating the presence of rescue experts.

‘The priority now is to save lives, and for that we need the right machinery.’

An investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of the collapse, including whether the shopping centre’s infrastructure met safety standards.

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