A balcony collapsed in Rijeka, two young men ended up in the hospital

A pair of teenagers were injured after part of a balcony collapsed during the demolition of a long-abandoned villa in Rijeka, Croatia. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the Šetalište XIII. Divizije promenade, close to the Jadran Hotel. According to initial reports from the Primorsko-Goranska police, the structure gave way unexpectedly while the youths were standing on the balcony. As the balcony fell, heavy pieces of concrete and bricks continued to collapse onto them. Emergency services, including firefighters, arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters used specialized equipment to remove large debris from the rubble to rescue the two boys. They were taken to KBC Rijeka hospital, where they received treatment. Neither of the victims was in life-threatening condition. The injuries sustained were described as minor. The villa, which had been abandoned for years, served as a gathering place for young people. Access to the building was possible through a damaged protective railing. Despite being officially uninhabited, the site remained popular among locals who occasionally entered the structure. The area is known for its historical significance and proximity to the river, making it a common spot for informal gatherings. Authorities have confirmed that the police will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the balcony’s collapse. The inquiry is expected to take place over the weekend. Officials have not yet released further details regarding the structural integrity of the villa or the extent of the damage caused by the collapse. However, local media has reported that the building has been in disrepair for some time, with visible signs of neglect and decay. Witness accounts suggest that the balcony’s sudden failure caught the youths completely off guard. One account describes how the ground beneath their feet disappeared as the structure gave way. Others noted that the falling debris created a chaotic environment, complicating efforts to reach the injured individuals. Emergency responders worked swiftly to stabilize the situation and extract the boys from the wreckage. Firefighters faced challenges due to the unstable nature of the ruins. They had to carefully navigate through the collapsing remnants of the villa to locate and retrieve the injured. Specialized tools were necessary to handle the weight and size of the debris. The operation took several hours before both youths could be safely removed from the site. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of abandoned buildings in the region. Local officials have acknowledged the need for stricter oversight of such structures, particularly those that remain accessible to the public despite their deteriorated state. There are calls for increased inspections and maintenance to prevent similar accidents in the future. The abandoned villa, located along the banks of the River Kvarner, has become a symbol of urban decay in parts of Rijeka. While it once housed a small community, it has since fallen into disuse. Its location makes it a point of interest for visitors, though access is limited due to the hazardous conditions. The recent accident highlights the risks associated with entering such spaces without proper precautions. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to avoid areas that pose potential dangers. They emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and reporting any concerns related to unsafe structures. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by neglected infrastructure in urban environments.