On September 21, several netizens posted videos claiming that a pedestrian walkway on the second floor of Zoutown Tai Fu Times Square in Changzhou, Jiangsu, collapsed. When Chinese media asked the authorities if there were any casualties, they replied that it was not convenient to disclose such information.
The related videos show significant structural collapse on the side and bottom of the walkway, with shattered glass scattered all over the floor. Suspected pipelines were seen spraying water outward, creating a chaotic scene with broken glass covering the ground beneath the walkway.
The area has been cordoned off with a sign indicating “Construction site, no entry.”
A resident who witnessed the scene in a video said that the collapse occurred around 8 a.m., describing it as terrifying. Fortunately, it happened early in the morning when there weren’t many people around. The incident will have a negative impact as many businesses were already struggling, and this will further affect their operations.
Another eyewitness who captured the scene in a video mentioned that she was passing by the walkway at the time of the collapse. She was deeply shocked, emphasizing the suddenness of the incident, reflecting on the fragility of life.
Subsequently, a journalist from Red Star News called the public phone number of Zoutown Tai Fu Times Square. The staff member who answered the call claimed to be unaware of the collapse incident, stating that the mall was still operating normally, with no impact on movie screenings or shopping activities.
In the afternoon, the journalist contacted the on-duty staff of the Emergency Management Bureau in Zhonglou District, Changzhou. They confirmed being aware of the situation but refused to disclose any information regarding casualties. The Emergency Management Bureau staff mentioned that an investigation into the collapse was ongoing and assured that details would be released through official channels once available.
This incident has sparked public concern and discussions on the quality of construction in recent years, with comments criticizing irresponsible practices and shortcuts in construction projects as well as the rapid and often unchecked development in the real estate sector over the past decades. People expressed fears that such incidents of collapse may become more frequent in the future. Additionally, there were complaints about the reluctance to allow photos or videos at the scene and attempts to censor information online, with citizens bearing the consequences of shoddy construction projects.