PM Han orders swift response after ceiling collapse at Daegu mart

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook issued an emergency directive Saturday after a ceiling collapsed at a mart in Daegu's Buk-gu, ordering authorities to "minimize casualties."

According to the prime minister's office, Han was briefed on the incident and directed the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency to "identify nearby medical facilities with available capacity so that any injured can be transferred promptly."

Han also urged that all available equipment and personnel be mobilized "to do everything possible until the very end to rescue those in danger." He called on Daegu city officials to "do their utmost to treat the injured, provide psychological support, investigate the cause of the accident and prevent a recurrence."

According to the fire department, a section of second-floor ceiling finishing material fell inside a food-ingredient mart in a four-story building in Buk-gu at around 10:16 a.m. Saturday, prompting 66 people at the scene to evacuate. Thirty-eight people sustained minor injuries, and nine of them were taken to hospital.