A partial roof collapse occurred at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, on Monday morning due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The incident took place around 11:15 a.m. and resulted in water pouring into the store, according to the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.
Twenty-seven individuals, including both shoppers and employees, were inside the store at the time of the collapse. While two people were momentarily trapped, they were able to free themselves without assistance. No injuries were reported.
Surveillance footage shows the roof collapsing suddenly, sending debris falling and water rushing into the store. The water surge pushed tables and shopping carts, with one elderly man seen being moved by a table but remaining upright and unharmed. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden described the situation as fortunate, noting that those inside were "lucky."
The Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue Team, along with other first responders, conducted thorough searches of the building, including with a drone and K-9 units, to confirm that no one was trapped or injured. Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorention stated that approximately 20 percent of the roof on the west side of the building collapsed.
One shopper, Ken Kalada, described hearing a "thunderous boom" and feeling the impact on his ears, leading him to evacuate quickly amid the panic.
The BJ's store will remain closed indefinitely pending a full structural engineering inspection to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether repairs or demolition are necessary.
The incident prompted a reminder from the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office about the rapid and dangerous conditions that severe weather can create. Officials commended the swift and coordinated response from multiple agencies involved.