Zagreb’s Vjesnik Building remains unsafe two days after fire

Two days after a catastrophic fire gutted the 16-story Vjesnik building in Zagreb, smoke continues to rise from the structure, which has suffered severe damage. 

Structural engineers have declared the building unsafe to enter until further notice, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. The future of the landmark is also uncertain.

“The conclusion is that the building is unsafe to enter. Firefighters have completed 99% of their work; the remaining 1% is clearing the smoke, which won’t take long,” said Prof. Mario Uroš from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Zagreb.

Prof. Uroš added that another assessment is planned by the end of the week or by Monday to determine whether the structure is unstable and if any cracks are spreading.

Traffic along the busy Slavonska Avenue remains closed at the intersection with Savska Street for safety reasons. “Our primary goal right now is to ensure the mechanical stability of the structure before reopening traffic,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Construction Minister Branko Bačić.

Bačić noted that, if reconstruction is possible, work should begin immediately. “If feasible, we could wrap the building in construction canvassing to improve its appearance, but all steps depend on expert assessments of the building’s safety and structural resistance,” he said.