Shopper narrowly escaped serious injury Monday morning when a large section of the roof at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, suddenly collapsed during intense thunderstorms that battered the region.
Dramatic surveillance footage captured the terrifying moment a shopper was browsing the bakery section of the store at approximately 11:16 a.m. when the roof gave way, sending torrents of water crashing into the building. The force of the rushing water shoved wooden display racks across the floor as debris fell from above.
According to police, 27 people were inside the warehouse at the time of the collapse. Two individuals were partially trapped but were able to free themselves before emergency crews arrived.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported.
Emergency responders rushed to the BJ’s Wholesale Club on Route 35 after receiving reports of the collapse. Initial reports indicated that approximately a 50-foot section of the roof had failed, prompting a search of the affected area to ensure no one remained trapped.
The collapse occurred as powerful storms swept across New Jersey, producing flash flooding, torrential rainfall, and dangerous travel conditions throughout much of the state.
Authorities have asked motorists to avoid the area around Route 35, Park Avenue, and Deal Road, particularly between Routes 18 and 35, while crews continue to assess the damage.
