Roof Collapse at New Jersey BJ's Wholesale Club Traps Two Shoppers

Heavy rain in New Jersey on Monday caused a section of the roof at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township to give way, temporarily trapping two individuals inside the store. Police, sheriff’s deputies and other first responders arrived at the scene around 11:16 a.m. while 27 shoppers were present. The two people were able to free themselves and exit safely, and no injuries were reported.

Sheriff Shaun Golden said the event underscores how quickly severe weather can create dangerous conditions and praised the responding personnel for their rapid action and coordination.

BJ's Wholesale Club did not respond to requests for comment, and phone lines at the South Jersey location remained unanswered late Monday afternoon. The incident occurred as flood watches covered more than 60 million people across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with nearby areas receiving over three inches of rain in the preceding 24 hours.