Structural engineers have determined that the Vjesnik office skyscraper in central Zagreb remains unsafe following a major fire that almost completely destroyed the building. Authorities have banned entry until further inspections scheduled for next week.
Speaking after an initial assessment, engineer Mario Uroš stated:
“The conclusion is that the building is still unsafe to enter. Firefighting units have completed 99 percent of their work, but occasional smoke remains,” he told reporters.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Hazards
Uroš added that internal temperatures remain high, and the load-bearing columns and structural elements are still hot, preventing any personnel from entering safely. The situation will be closely monitored in the coming days before emergency repairs or a detailed investigation can begin.
Meanwhile, a special traffic regulation remains in force around the building due to its location at a major intersection near Slavonska Avenue and Savska Street, causing congestion in parts of the city.
Fire Incident and Investigation
The fire broke out on Monday at approximately 11 p.m., and fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined. Croatian media reported that five young individuals were questioned by police in connection with the incident.
Future of the Building
Minister of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property Branko Bačić noted that the building’s fate—restoration or demolition—will depend on expert assessments.
The 67-meter, 16-story skyscraper, constructed over nine years from 1963 to 1972, was once a symbol of journalism and the daily newspaper Vjesnik, after which it was named. Over the past two decades, the building had been largely unoccupied, with offices only used occasionally.
