Kuwait: A six-storey building collapsed during demolition process

On Wednesday 21^st of August, approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, a six-storey building collapsed at the Jabriya area of Kuwait. According to authorities, the building collapsed in the wrong direction during the demolition process, and hence there were fears that people might be trapped beneath the debris.

According to Fire Public Relations and Media Department statements, rescue teams promptly arrived at the site, and started the operation with the aid of sniffer dogs, to ensure that no one was trapped. Fortunately, after thorough investigation of the area, no one was found trapped or injured.

In addition, Hamoud Al-Mutairi, Director of the Hawalli Governorate Municipality Branch stated that legal permits had been guaranteed by the municipality to demolish four buildings, while the demolition of the collapsed building was carried out by a licensed contractor. However, he suggests that the incident occurred because of negligence by the managing contractor.

Despite the initial suggestion, as of present, an investigation is under way to determine the exact reason for the collapse and who is responsible for it. Once they determine the cause legal actions and penalties will take place against who is at fault, including the contracting company. It should be noted that the incident affected neighboring buildings, while debris fell into the road and destroyed a parked car.