LIMA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 78 others injured after the food court roof of a shopping mall collapsed in northwestern Peru, authorities said Saturday.

The accident happened at the busy shopping center Real Plaza Mall in Trujillo. According to state news agency Andina, 30 of the injured have been discharged while 48 remain in hospital, including three in critical condition.

Emergency crews responded minutes after the collapse and worked through the night to rescue survivors. Authorities described the structure as a heavy-duty installation, not a light canopy, which fell directly over the children's area of the food court.

Peru's Health Ministry has urged blood donations due to high demand.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called for a thorough investigation and severe penalties for those responsible. "We cannot allow economic interests to take precedence over human lives," she said.

The Trujillo Provincial Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation, while officials say the collapsed structure may have been improperly maintained.

The La Libertad regional government declared two days of mourning. Enditem

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