News Summary
A temporary construction wall at the under-construction Zara store in SouthPark Mall collapsed, leading to a quick response from nearby shoppers. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and emergency services were not summoned. The incident coincided with heavy storms in the area, which possibly contributed to the wall’s failure. Code enforcement officials stated that the wall’s collapse will be reviewed but confirmed that the main construction work is being properly permitted and inspected. The Zara store is scheduled to open in 2026, but the timeline may be affected by this incident.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A temporary construction wall at a Zara store under construction at SouthPark Mall collapsed on Saturday, July 12, prompting a rush of shoppers to come to the aid of others nearby. Fortunately, Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement has reported that no serious injuries occurred as a result of the incident, and emergency medical services were not called to the mall.
Video footage submitted to local media shows the wall tumbling over and falling across a mall hallway, with a bystander heard yelling for help. The collapse took place amidst heavy storms affecting the area, which can be seen from other videos featuring heavy rain outside the mall.
The temporary wall, referred to as an “aesthetic covering” for use during construction, fell during a time of significant weather disturbances. Following the storm, downed tree branches were reported outside the mall vicinity, emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions at the time.
According to officials from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, while the wall’s covering does not fall under their jurisdiction, they are involved in the permitting and inspection processes related to the main construction work inside the store, following guidelines set by North Carolina Building Codes. This indicates a shared responsibility for ensuring safety during construction that involves various safety measures and inspections.
The Zara store, which is set to be the first location in North Carolina, was announced in 2023 and is anticipated to open its doors in 2026. However, the potential impact of the wall’s collapse on the construction timeline remains unclear. Given that the wall was swiftly reinstalled by Monday, July 14, it is hoped that any delays will be minimal.
In the aftermath of the incident, a section of the area outside SouthPark Mall was boarded up as a precaution. To date, the mall has not issued any statements regarding the collapse or the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This event highlights the importance of safety protocols during construction projects, especially in high-traffic public spaces like shopping malls. As the situation develops, more information may be provided concerning the construction timeline and any further safety assessments needed following this incident.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
