News Summary
A temporary construction wall at a Zara store under construction at SouthPark Mall collapsed, with no serious injuries reported. The incident, occurring during severe weather, prompted nearby shoppers to rush for help. The Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement noted the wall’s collapse was outside their jurisdiction. The new Zara store is expected to open in 2026, but the impact of this event on the timeline remains uncertain. As of now, safety precautions have been reinforced around the site to ensure the well-being of shoppers and passersby.
Charlotte, N.C. – A temporary construction wall at a Zara store under construction at SouthPark Mall collapsed on Saturday, July 12. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported despite the alarming incident, which was captured on video by a passerby. The video showed the wall falling across the mall’s hallway, prompting nearby shoppers to rush to assist a person heard yelling for help.
According to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, the collapsed structure was described as a “temporary aesthetic covering designed for use during construction.” Thankfully, the agency confirmed that there were no serious injuries related to the incident, and Medic was not called to the mall for any medical assistance.
The wall’s collapse occurred amid severe weather conditions, including heavy storms that swept through the area. Video footage from the scene indicated heavy rain outside a nearby window, and WBTV reported that several tree branches were downed outside around the mall after the storm.
A spokesperson from Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement noted that the jurisdiction for temporary coverings falls outside their responsibility. However, the agency emphasized that they would continue to be involved in permitting and inspecting the construction work being carried out within the store in compliance with North Carolina Building Codes.
The Zara store under construction is notable as it will be the first location of the popular international retailer in North Carolina. Announced in 2023, the store is currently slated to open in 2026, although the impact of the wall’s collapse on the construction timeline remains uncertain.
By Monday, July 14, the temporary wall was reinstalled inside SouthPark Mall. In response to the incident, a section of the area outside the mall was boarded up to ensure safety for shoppers and passersby. As of the time of reporting, SouthPark Mall had not responded to requests for comment regarding the wall collapse.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety and the necessary precautions that need to be in place, especially during adverse weather conditions. While no injuries occurred, the event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with construction activities in busy public spaces.
As the situation continues to develop, updates regarding the completion of the Zara store and any further implications from the incident at SouthPark Mall are awaited by the community.
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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
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
