Evacuation ordered for Schöneberg apartment building due to impending collapse risk

In the heart of Berlin, an apartment building on Grunewaldstraße has been evacuated following a risk of collapse. The evacuation was ordered by the police after a structural engineer's report raised concerns about the building's safety.

The affected building, owned by Heimstaden Germany GmbH, a British ownership company, has been under observation since December 2023. Heimstaden has been monitoring visible cracks in the structure, but the causes of these structural problems remain unclear.

The evacuation was carried out at short notice, and nine apartments within the building have been emptied. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the evacuation. The section of Grunewaldstraße between Hauptstraße and Goltzstraße has been closed off for safety reasons.

District Councillor Eva Majewski (CDU) expressed shock that Heimstaden has apparently known about the problem for years. In a statement made on the RBB evening broadcast, she questioned why the issue had not been addressed earlier. Heimstaden, however, has not provided a timeline for the resolution of the structural issues.

The representative of Heimstaden stated that it is currently not possible to specify how long the apartments cannot be used. The company has assured that they will provide alternative accommodation for the evacuated families if they cannot stay with friends or family.

The safety of the surrounding area is currently a concern due to the building's structural issues. Reports suggest that the office of the company linked to the ownership of the building has been vandalized.

The news was reported by Berliner Morgenpost, and this is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Berlin. The city continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining its aging infrastructure while ensuring the safety of its residents.

This incident serves as a reminder for property owners to prioritise the safety of their buildings and for authorities to act promptly when concerns are raised about potential risks. The investigation into the causes of the structural problems continues, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.