A partial roof collapse occurred at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, on Monday around 11:15 a.m. amid heavy rainfall and severe flooding, according to the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. No injuries were reported among the 27 shoppers and employees inside the store at the time.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing shoppers in the aisles moments before a section of the roof collapsed. Water then gushed into the building, pushing tables and shopping carts across the floor. Two individuals were temporarily partially trapped but managed to free themselves.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden described the event as fortunate, stating, "If you've seen any of the video footage from within, there are some lucky people there." The sheriff's office, along with the Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue Team, conducted thorough searches of the building, including using a drone and K-9 units, to confirm no one was trapped or injured.
Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorention reported that approximately 20 percent of the roof on the west side of the building collapsed, leading to significant water inflow. Witness Ken Kalada, who was shopping for laundry detergent at the time, described hearing a "thunderous boom" that made his ears ring.
Emergency services, including MedStar and local police and fire departments, responded to the scene. The BJ's store will remain closed indefinitely pending a full inspection by a structural engineer to assess the damage and determine repair or demolition needs.
The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office used the incident to remind the public about the rapid and dangerous conditions that can arise from severe weather. Sheriff Golden commended the first responders for their efficient work under challenging circumstances, highlighting their seamless collaboration.