Vjesnik building deemed unstable

Structural engineers have declared the fire-ravaged Vjesnik building in Zagreb unstable and prohibited entry until interior temperatures decrease substantially, with Slavonska Avenue remaining closed to traffic. Dominik Skokandic from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mario Uros from HCPI presented findings following drone and visual inspections that revealed significant structural damage, particularly where archive materials burned at exceptionally high temperatures.

The concrete framework has compromised load-bearing capacity in multiple locations, with visible and hidden cracks requiring continuous monitoring as the structure cools. Engineers estimate the risk of partial collapse remains relatively low but will diminish as temperatures normalize. Repair and reinforcement options exist, though officials must first observe material behavior during the cooling process before determining the landmark’s fate.