A person has died while several others were injured after a car plunged through the roof of a mall in Guatemala over the weekend.
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According to the New York Post, the terrifying incident happened on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Miraflores shopping mall. The car had reportedly been going “at a very high speed” on one of the upper levels of the mall’s parking lot. It then crashed through a barrier and fell right in the middle of the shopping center.
The destroyed vehicle was seen on the floor of the mall near a Christmas tree and escalator in several videos.
Joel Abelino Pereira Cruz, who recorded the video, recalled the horrific scene to Storyful. “I was shopping with my family, and we were passing by just when the accident happened. The car literally fell 10 meters from where I was.”
The driver of the car managed to survive and was rushed to a nearby hospital. “The driver is stable and has been taken to a care center, along with two collaborators from one of our commercial partners who were working in the impact area and were injured,” mall officials revealed.
However, a 22-year-old kiosk worker died as a result of the incident. Metro reports that the worker was identified as Oliver André de Paz. He sustained fatal injuries after being trapped beneath the vehicle and debris.
Shopping Mall Spokesperson Speaks Out After Car Crashes Plunges Through Roof
Following the incident, one of the shopping center’s spokespersons spoke out.
“We express our solidarity with Oliver and his family in these difficult times they are experiencing,” the spokesperson shared. “For the Miraflores shopping center, the safety of our guests is a priority at all times and we are still trying to clarify what happened, given that it is a fortuitous event outside our already established protocols.”
The shopping mall held its Wonderful Christmas in Miraflores event two days before the incident. “The night was illuminated with a spectacular light show, creating a magical atmosphere for the whole family,” the mall shared on Instagram. “We enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate and a shower of smiles that filled us with joy!”
“Christmas has arrived and we are ready to share this wonderful experience with you!” the shopping center added.
The mall was decorated from top to bottom with holiday decorations.
Further details about the incident, including the reason behind the driver’s actions, have not been revealed by local authorities.