News Summary
A temporary construction wall at the Zara store under development at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte collapsed, raising safety concerns among shoppers. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and emergency services were not called. Witnesses captured the event on video, showing quick reactions from bystanders during the incident. The fallen wall was a part of ongoing construction for the first Zara location in North Carolina, scheduled to open in 2026. As repairs began, local authorities assured that they would monitor the situation despite the wall falling outside their jurisdiction.
Charlotte, N.C. — Temporary Construction Wall at SouthPark Mall Collapses, No Serious Injuries Reported
On Saturday, July 12, a temporary construction wall at a Zara store under development at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, unexpectedly fell over, prompting safety concerns among shoppers and construction personnel. Despite the collapse, no serious injuries were reported.
Details of the Incident
Video footage, submitted by witnesses, captured the moment the temporary wall collapsed across the mall’s corridor. In the footage, shoppers and store workers can be seen reacting quickly, with one individual heard shouting “help me” as others rush to aid. The incident occurred during heavy weather conditions outside, with videos showing intense rain through nearby windows and downed tree branches around the mall area.
According to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, the structure involved was described as a “temporary aesthetic covering designed for use during construction”. The fallen wall was part of the ongoing construction project at the Zara store, which is scheduled to open in 2026 and is notable as the first Zara location in North Carolina.
Response and Safety Measures
Emergency medical services were not summoned following the collapse as no injuries requiring medical attention occurred. Local authorities confirmed that Medics were not called to treat anyone at the scene. The mall area outside the store was temporarily blocked off and boarded up, and the white plywood coverings remain in place as repairs were conducted.
By Monday, July 14, the temporary wall had been reinstalled inside SouthPark Mall, indicating ongoing efforts to resume normal operations. The mall declined to comment on the incident at the time of reporting.
Investigations and Jurisdictional Clarifications
A spokesperson for Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement clarified that while they oversee permitting and inspection of construction activities under North Carolina Building Codes, the fallen temporary wall specifically falls outside their jurisdiction because it was designated as a temporary aesthetic feature. Nonetheless, officials indicated they would still monitor the situation and ensure compliance with relevant construction regulations.
Impact on Construction Timeline and Future Plans
It remains uncertain whether the collapse will influence the construction timeline for the Zara store or surrounding work. Officials have not announced any delays or scheduling adjustments linked directly to the incident.
Background Context
The Zara store project, announced in 2023, aims to bring the first retail location of the international fashion brand to North Carolina. The store’s opening had been scheduled for 2026, aligning with the mall’s broader redevelopment plans. The incident marks a notable event during the construction process but does not appear to have caused significant disruptions or safety hazards.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Video of Wall Collapse at SouthPark Mall
- Charlotte Observer: Zara Store Opening in SouthPark Mall
- K104.7: Zara Expected to Open in 2026
- Axios: Retailers in Charlotte Area
- Google Search: Zara Store Construction
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