A major emergency response is currently underway after a large section of the roof collapsed inside the BJ’s Wholesale Club in Oakhurst, located in Ocean Township, TLS has learned.

According to initial reports, a 50-foot section of the roof collapsed into the building, leaving multiple people injured and at least three people trapped beneath the debris. Responders have also reported smoke coming from the collapse area along with a major gas leak, creating additional hazards for rescue crews.

The Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team has been dispatched to the scene, while the New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue remains on standby to assist if needed.

Firefighters, EMS personnel, and specialized rescue teams are actively working to locate and extricate those trapped while securing the structure and addressing the gas leak.

UPDATE 1:35 PM

Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden announced that emergency responders are on the scene of a roof collapse at BJ’s Wholesale Club, located at 1904 Route 35, Ocean Township.

At approximately 11:16 am, emergency personnel were dispatched to BJs following reports of a partial roof collapse. There were 27 people inside the building at the time. Two individuals were partially entrapped but were able to free themselves and safely exit the structure.

A coordinated response involving numerous local, county, and regional emergency agencies remain on scene. Responding agencies include the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office – Office of Emergency Management (OEM), MedStar, and the Monmouth County Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team who conducted a comprehensive search of the building, Ocean Township Police, Fire Districts 1 &2 and OEM. There were no injuries. Primary and secondary searches of the building were conducted using the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office interior drone and New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K-9 teams.

Ocean Township Police Chief Michael Sorrentino urged all to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.

“Our first priority was ensuring the safety of everyone at the scene while allowing emergency personnel the space they need to complete their work,” said Chief Sorrentino. “We ask residents and motorists to avoid the areas of Route 35, Park Avenue, and Deal Road, particularly between Routes 18 and 35, until further notice. We also remind the public to call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies so emergency communications remain available for those who need immediate assistance.”

“This incident is another reminder of how quickly severe weather can create dangerous and unpredictable conditions,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. “We commend all first responders who worked with urgency under challenging circumstances. Despite the ongoing flooding and severe weather affecting our communities, all worked seamlessly together to ensure everyone was safely accounted for. Their dedication and teamwork exemplify the very best of public safety.”

DEVELOPING STORY.