Beit Shemesh apartment building evacuated after partial collapse

At approximately 9:30a.m. Monday morning Israel time, a report was received from one the building’s residents, saying that part of the building at 6 Bialik Street had collapsed. Firefighting teams rushed to the scene, and scanning it, decided to immediately evacuate all of the building’s residents until a professional examination can be completed.

According to Israel Hayom, police officers and municipal officials who arrived at the scene aided the evacuation and held a situational assessment, after which they decided that the building was in danger of collapse and that it should be immediately evacuated and passersby distanced from the area.

In a statement, Israel Police said that following the initial situational assessment, it was decided to evacuate the residents at this stage. Police forces at the scene began to aid the evacuation, together with firefighters, until such time as the professionals and municipal engineer complete their examinations.

No reasons have yet been given for the collapse, the investigation is ongoing.