The fire department received a distress call at 6:24 a.m.

A major structural collapse occurred early Monday morning at the Bolzano courthouse, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly after receiving a call at 6:24 AM local time. The incident took place during renovations of the historic building, which dates back to the fascist era. According to reports, the central part of the structure collapsed, destroying approximately a quarter of the courthouse. Debris from the collapse blocked the main entrance and a wide staircase, though no injuries were reported due to the timing of the incident, occurring just before employees and visitors arrived. The collapse began shortly after 6 AM, with parts of the upper floors giving way down to the ground floor. This included several courtrooms, such as the jury courtroom and two civil courts. The passage connecting the prosecution and court areas was also buried under rubble. Three cleaning staff were inside the building at the time, but two managed to escape safely. The third cleaner was initially unaccounted for until she was located via phone and guided to a safe exit. She emerged unharmed, sustaining only minor abrasions. Francesca Bortolotti, president of the court, described the situation as a “true miracle,” emphasizing how close the incident came to causing a tragedy. Christian Auer, head of the fire department’s intervention unit, noted that upon arrival, he initially suspected an explosion or attack due to the severity of the damage. However, subsequent investigations found no evidence of an explosive device. Emergency responders quickly secured the area, cut off gas supplies, and assessed the stability of the remaining structure. Preliminary findings suggest that support columns in the section undergoing renovation work failed, leading to the collapse. While the exact cause remains unclear, officials have stated that the connection between the collapse and ongoing renovation activities must be thoroughly investigated. Arno Kompatscher, president of South Tyrol, emphasized the need for a detailed inquiry into the incident. Prosecutor Axel Bisignano confirmed that the central portion of the courthouse is now unusable, forcing authorities to reorganize staff and seek immediate solutions to ensure judicial operations continue uninterrupted despite the damage. The courthouse, a prominent landmark in Bolzano, has been a key legal institution in the region for decades. Its historical significance adds weight to the urgency of determining the cause of the collapse and implementing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials are currently working to assess the extent of the damage and plan for necessary repairs and temporary relocation of court functions. Authorities have not yet released specific timelines for the investigation or estimated costs for repairs. However, they have assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to restore the courthouse's functionality while ensuring the safety of personnel and the public. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of older buildings undergoing renovation, particularly those with historical value and complex structural designs.