Vienna prosecutors investigate four over fatal house collapse

Vienna prosecutors are investigating four people or companies over a fatal house collapse in the city centre, ORF reported, citing the newspaper Die Presse. The suspects are under investigation on suspicion of negligently endangering the public. Their identities have not been disclosed.

Some residents of the partly collapsed building were briefly allowed back inside to collect personal belongings. The construction company hired for the work may enter the building, but it is not allowed to remove rubble. Two structural engineers and the company are drawing up a safety plan in coordination with the city’s building inspection authority.

The collapse on 20 September in Färbergasse left three residents injured. A 57-year-old woman was seriously hurt, while a 60-year-old man and an 88-year-old woman sustained minor injuries. An 85-year-old woman was later found dead in the rubble.

Construction work was under way in the building, and the city had approved an extension to the attic. Work began on 31 August. The building inspection authority had received no previous complaints about tenancy issues or reports of structural defects. Emergency accommodation was arranged for affected residents.