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A heartbroken father has paid tribute after his daughter was confirmed dead in the shopping centre roof collapse that killed at least six people.

More than 80 people have been injured following the incident at around 8.40pm on Friday at the Real Plaza shopping centre in Trujillo, Peru.

The countrys Minister of Defence has said six people have died in the collapse, according to La Republica. Four people are thought to be still trapped under the rubble, but rescuers cannot reach them until a 200-tonne crane arrives.

Children were among the victims as the massive structure collapsed in the play area.

Harumi Carbajal Velázquez, 25, has now been confirmed dead, according to Infobae. Her cousin Yuri Carvajal was among the relatives desperately trying to find their loved ones.

Harumis father posted a touching tribute on social media, saying she was the happiest girl in the world, before wishing her happy journey, see you soon.

Fly high, my girl, he added.

An investigation into the collapse is looking into possible negligence and safety standards at the shopping centre, which was ordered to close in December 2023 due to structural deficiencies, according to Once Noticias.

A young girl became trapped underneath the rubble, but she managed to film the aftermath with her phone in almost pitch-black darkness.

The regional government has declared days of mourning today and Sunday and ordered flags to be hoisted at half-mast to honour the victims.

Eight patients were discharged from the Trujillo Teaching Hospital, while three others, including a two-year-old child, remain there.

Another 13 were taken to the Belen de Trujillo hospital where one male casualty died, according to the hospital.

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.

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

This is happening now. Im going to leave the area now because this is serious.

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

He added: Daniela, were going to help you, were 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.

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.

Francisco Jaramillo, manager of Supervision and Inspection of 
Ositrán, suggested the building collapsed due to water overload.

It comes after heavy rain has impacted the northern coast of Peru earlier this month including regions such as La Libertad, Piura, Lambayeque and Tumbes.

The rain occurred in a scattered manner and people at the time were warned to take precautions, secure roofs and avoid travel in areas at high risk of flooding.

In Peru, 80% of buildings are built informally and half of them would not withstand an earthquake due to poor construction, according to the Peruvian Chamber of Construction (CAPECO). 

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