Plenković says government wants to buyout Vjesnik's minority shareholders

On Thursday morning the police continued their investigation into the Vjesnik skyscraper fire. While drones are inspecting each floor, experts are simultaneously preparing a demolition project, which should be completed in two to three weeks.

The most likely scenario is that the Vjesnik building will be taken down through a controlled demolition. According to Mario Dobrilović from the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, the most viable option right now is to bring the building down on the west side: “In the structural support elements of the building small holes are drilled, usually 32 millimeters wide, in which smaller charges of between 50 and 100 grams are placed per hole. They are detonated in a certain time series of milliseconds. So with a combination of space and time disposition, we direct the building to fall where we want it to.”

Every element of the structure that is rigged with explosives will be protected to prevent concrete from scattering. Vibrations from the fall will be dampened and canvas on the scaffolding will prevent the spread of dust.

Meanwhile, works on new traffic regulations on Slavonska Avenue, which will allow eastbound traffic, are expected to be completed soon. The Deputy Head of the Office for Traffic, Local Self-Government, Civil Protection and Security, Marko Velzek: “Today and into the evening, we will begin to lay down road markings, this will continue as long as the weather, specifically the temperature, permits. We will continue tomorrow, when we will have to lay down the road markings in traffic, so we ask all drivers for their understanding and patience.”

Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced during the cabinet session that government is interested in buying out Vjesnik's minority shareholders: “Government, which owns a 63 percent stake, is interested in purchasing the remaining shares from other shareholders, and to then begin developing a new project on the site of the Vjesnik complex.”

Source: HRT