9-Storey Block Of Flats Collapses Leaving 105 Homeless

Story ByGabriel ZamfirSub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyCEN

Video Credit: CEN/@dodon.igor1

This is the moment a large section of a nine-storey block of flats collapses leaving over 100 homeless as the residents who live there watch in horror.

The incident was filmed in the town of Otaci in the northern Moldovan district of Ocnita and posted on social media where several videos have been seen over 250,000 times.

Fortunately, no one was injured as 46 residents, including 11 children, had been evacuated hours before the unplanned collapse.

Pictures Credit: CEN

Reports said that 18 flats were damaged by the collapse and residents in the neighbouring apartment block had to be evacuated as well.

It total over 105 people were left homeless following the incident.

According to local media, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) secured the area and said in a statement. “Workers helped people and accompanied them inside the building to recover some of their belongings.

“Everyone was adequately equipped and they safely entered their apartments for a few minutes to get things done.

Video Credit: CEN/@tatiana.bujnitatricolici

One evacuated resident told local media: “The building collapsed and that was it. We were left homeless, on the streets, with children. We will stay with relatives for a few days, but what next?”

Another resident criticised the local authorities, saying: “They came a few minutes before the collapse and evacuated us. Why didn’t they tell us two or three days before so we could get our things out?

“We were left with the clothes on our backs and many of us have children. They knew about this situation.”

Video Credit: CEN/DimaCiumac

Meanwhile, President of Moldova Igor Dodon visited the site and said on social media that the rest of the building will be demolished soon.

Prime Minister Maia Sandu said that the government should introduce emergency measures to help the affected residents.

According to local media, a preliminary investigation said that the collapse was probably caused by water accumulation in the basement and unpermitted building modifications, including the partial demolition of supporting walls by some of the tenants.

In total, 105 residents from the building and neighbouring apartment block have been left without homes.

The investigation is ongoing.

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