Roof Collapses on Store Closed as Being Unsafe

SALT LAKE CITY — The roof of a department store collapsed Monday under the weight of nearly 2 feet of snow, but a potential disaster on one of the year’s busiest shopping days was averted by fire officials who earlier had recommended that the store remain closed.

A 175 foot-by-75-foot section of roof at the Fred Meyer’s store came crashing down about 11 a.m., less than six hours after fire officials had inspected the roof and recommended that the building remain empty, Salt Lake County Fire Capt. Max Berry said.

Berry said the Fire Department was alerted to the possibility of structural damage to the store roof by a maintenance worker. The employee had first contacted company executives but was dissatisfied with their apparent lack of concern, Berry said.