Video Captures Chaos as New Jersey Store Roof Caves in During Storm

A partial roof collapse sent shoppers scrambling for safety at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in New Jersey on Monday, July 6, as torrential rain battered the region.

The collapse was reported around 11 a.m. at the store on Route 35 in Ocean Township, in Monmouth County, 6abc Action News reported Monday, July 6.

There were 27 people inside the building at the time, per the outlet, and two of them were partially trapped but managed to free themselves and get out safely. The area had been experiencing major flooding, as reported.

Sources tell the Globe that as of 2:30 p.m. ET, no deaths have been reported. A hazmat team has since arrived on scene as the response continues.

According to 6abc Action News, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office urged the public to stay away from the area, warning that travel was extremely dangerous. Police asked residents to avoid Route 35, Park Avenue and Deal Road, particularly between Routes 18 and 35, until further notice, per the report.

Sheriff Shaun Golden addressed the incident in a statement. “This incident is another reminder of how quickly severe weather can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions,” he said, according to the outlet. “We commend all first responders who worked with urgency under challenging circumstances. Despite the ongoing flooding and severe weather affecting our communities, all worked seamlessly together to ensure everyone was safely accounted for. Their dedication and teamwork exemplify the very best of public safety.”

Video of the collapse also circulated on Instagram. The footage appeared to show the collapse occurring near the store’s bakery section, with water visibly flooding into the store as shoppers moved to safety. It prompted an immediate wave of reactions. “Dude was lucky,” one commenter wrote, while another added, “Holy [expletive] … glad everyone is OK.”

Several users questioned the store’s upkeep, with one writing, “Blocked roof drains,” and another noting, “That’s improper drainage on the roof.” One commenter was blunter, writing the collapse showed “what happens well you only care and prioritize pumping money out not maintenance on the regular things like this.” Others expressed relief, including one who wrote, “Thank God, nobody was hurt!!”