Burglars ransack four apartments in partially collapsed Vienna building

Burglars broke into four apartments in a partially collapsed building in central Vienna, breaking the official seal on its main entrance, ORF reported on Wednesday.

The intruders forced the apartment door locks or padlocks installed by the fire brigade after the collapse and searched the homes. Police said they could not yet determine what was stolen or the total damage. Investigators also faced difficulties collecting evidence because of the conditions inside the building.

After evidence was collected at the scene, the fire brigade secured the apartment doors again with padlocks. Further inquiries are under way.

Vienna prosecutors are investigating four suspects, described as unnamed individuals and/or companies, on suspicion of negligently endangering the public. Renovation work was under way when the building on Färbergasse partially collapsed late on September 20. Three residents were injured and an 85-year-old resident was killed.