News24 | Heavy rain causes partial ceiling collapse at Northgate Shopping Centre

The scene at Northgate Shopping Centre in Randburg, where ceiling sections collapsed after heavy rainfall on Saturday.

• Parts of Northgate Shopping Centre’s mall caved in on Saturday.
• It was due to heavy rains in the area.
• The mall confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Patrons at Northgate Shopping Centre in Randburg were left stunned on Saturday after parts of the mall’s ceiling collapsed following heavy rainfall.

A video of the incident, lasting more than a minute, was widely shared across social media platforms, garnering over 300 000 views.

In the footage, water can be seen pooling inside the mall as a shopper moves a trolley seconds before the ceiling gives way.

As the ceiling caves in, screams of disbelief fill the air while others capture the dramatic moment on their phones.

Taking to its Facebook page, Northgate Shopping Centre confirmed the incident.

“No injuries were reported, and all affected areas were immediately secured and cordoned off as a precautionary measure. The centre remains open and trading as normal,” management said.

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Initial assessments indicate that severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and hail over a short period, caused water to build up in box gutters, the mall management said.

This led to water overflow and a partial ceiling collapse.

“There has been no damage to the roof structure itself, and the overall integrity of the building remains sound.”

“Our facilities and technical teams, together with relevant specialists, are actively assessing the impacted area as well as surrounding sections of the centre to determine the necessary repairs and ensure they are carried out safely and efficiently,” the statement added.

The shopping centre reiterated that the safety and well-being of shoppers, tenants, and staff remain the highest priority, with all appropriate safety protocols in place.

Management said they will “continue to provide verified updates as assessments progress”.