Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): A basement wall collapsed during renovations at an apartment building on Sint-Jacobsmarkt, Antwerp prompting evacuations and safety measures. Structural engineers assessed the damage, and nearby streets were closed for safety.
Yesterday on 22nd August at afternoon emergency services were notified about a serious problem at an apartment building on Sint-Jacobsmarkt. The issue happened during renovation work when a basement wall collapsed. This raised concerns about the building’s stability leading to a quick response from emergency personnel. Upon arrival the emergency teams assessed the situation and found that the collapse had weakened the building’s structure. They quickly implemented safety measures to prevent further damage or potential collapse which included evacuating the building to ensure the safety of residents and workers.
What actions are being taken after the Sint-Jacobsmarkt, Antwerp wall collapse?
Structural engineers and building inspectors were called in to evaluate the damage and create a plan for stabilization and repair. The area around the building was cordoned off to keep the public at a safe distance while the situation was managed. Renovation work was halted and efforts focused on securing the building and addressing immediate risks.
Marie De Clerca from the Antwerp Fire Brigade Zone reported that when their teams arrived at the scene they took immediate action to assess the situation. They deployed a drone to inspect the interior of the building which allowed them to identify any cracks or weak points that could pose a risk of further collapse. This aerial inspection provided important insights into the extent of the damage and the stability of the structure. In addition to the drone survey the city engineer joined the emergency response team to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation. The engineer’s expertise was very helpful in evaluating the building’s structural integrity and figuring out the necessary steps to ensure safety and stability. The combined efforts of the fire brigade and the city engineer focused on addressing the immediate risks and planning for the building’s stabilization and repair. The fire department quickly decided to evacuate nearby buildings as a safety measure because one building was no longer stable. Many people had to leave their homes because their building’s safety was uncertain. They also turned off the electricity and water due to a leak which increased the risk of collapse. The police announced that certain streets would remain closed to traffic until at least tonight on 23rd August and the building will be brought down in a controlled way.
