Branson Wal-Mart Evacuated Because Of Sagging Roof

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) - A Wal-Mart Supercenter in Branson has been evacuated because its roof is sagging under the weight of snow and ice.

The southwest Missouri city said in a news release that the store closed around noon Thursday.

Inspectors with the city's Planning and Development Department and the Branson Fire Department have been sent to the store to evaluate the roof. A structural engineer from Wal-Mart's headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., also has been dispatched to the store to conduct an inspection.

Meanwhile, workers are clearing snow and ice from the roof.

The city says the store will remain closed until inspectors determine that the building is safe.

The roofs of other buildings in areas ravaged by this week's winter storm also are sagging and sometimes collapsing.

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