A partial roof collapse at a BJ’s Wholesale Club store in Ocean Township, New Jersey, during heavy flooding caused panic among shoppers on Monday morning, but authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. The incident took place at around 11:30 am at the store located on NJ-35 in the Oakhurst area, according to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Surveillance footage from inside the store captured the moment part of the ceiling gave way as floodwater entered the building. A large section of the roof reportedly collapsed under the pressure caused by accumulated water, sending a significant amount of water into the store. Officials said nearly a foot of water flooded parts of the facility following the collapse.
The video showed shoppers in the bakery section when the incident occurred, with water rushing through the area and moving several displays across the floor. One product table was seen being pushed into a person attempting to move away from the affected area. Around 27 people were inside the store at the time, but authorities confirmed that everyone managed to exit safely.
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Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino said emergency protocols were activated after police received multiple reports suggesting that people could be trapped inside the building. The store was immediately evacuated, and urban search and rescue teams entered the premises with trained dogs and drones to check whether anyone remained inside.
Authorities later confirmed that two people who were partially trapped were able to free themselves and leave the store safely. Rescue teams completed their inspection and found no additional victims. Officials said no injuries were reported despite the sudden collapse and flooding situation.
Ocean Township Sheriff Shaun Golden said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by severe weather conditions, which can change quickly and become unpredictable. He urged people to remain cautious during extreme weather events as emergency crews continue responding to situations caused by flooding and storm-related damage.
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