Part of a panel ceiling in the new prison in Dobrunja, slightly injured man

On June 4, 2026, a portion of the ceiling collapsed in the newly built prison facility in Dobrunje, Slovenia. The incident occurred within one of the rooms of the educational center located inside the prison complex. According to reports from the Ministry of Justice, two modular panels detached from the ceiling structure during the event. However, the supporting framework remained intact and was not damaged. At the time of the incident, there was one employee present in the room who sustained minor injuries as a result of the falling panels.

Following the accident, the new Minister of Justice, Mihael Zupančič, visited the site immediately afterward. He met with the injured employee and familiarized himself with the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the ceiling panels. Preliminary findings suggest that the cause of the panel detachment might be related to the curtain track system used for drapes. However, the exact reason behind the incident is still under investigation. According to the ministry's statements, other parts of the building were not affected by the incident.

The Ministry of Justice, which also serves as the investor of the project, has ordered a comprehensive technical inspection of the entire facility to identify any potential errors and prevent similar incidents from occurring again. This inspection aims to ensure the structural integrity of the building and address any issues that could compromise safety within the prison complex.

The incident took place in the educational center, which is part of the larger prison infrastructure in Dobrunje. The area where the ceiling collapsed was specifically designated for training purposes, indicating that the space had been designed for use beyond traditional correctional functions. The presence of an employee at the time of the incident highlights the operational nature of the location, suggesting that routine activities were taking place when the accident occurred.

According to the information released by the Ministry of Justice, the initial assessment indicates that the most likely cause of the panel detachment was linked to the curtain track system. However, this remains a hypothesis until further investigations confirm or refute it. The ministry emphasized that the rest of the building was unaffected, and no additional damage was observed elsewhere in the facility.

In response to the incident, the ministry stated that the necessary repairs and remediation efforts would be carried out within the scope of the warranty period. The costs associated with these corrective actions will be borne by the contractor responsible for the construction work. This approach aligns with standard procedures for addressing defects discovered after the completion of a construction project.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the new prison facility in Dobrunje. While the immediate impact appears limited to the specific room where the ceiling collapsed, the broader implications for the overall security and functionality of the prison remain to be seen. As the investigation continues, further details regarding the cause of the incident and the extent of any underlying structural issues will become clearer.

The situation underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and ongoing maintenance in large-scale construction projects, particularly those involving public infrastructure such as prisons. The outcome of the current investigation will determine whether additional measures need to be taken to enhance the safety standards of the facility and prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.