Three people were injured and nearly 130 cars were buried after part of a column of a building in the "Snezhkom" complex collapsed during its demolition in the city of Krasnogorsk near Moscow.
Soil and stones from the falling column hit passersby and a neighboring building at around 11:15 a.m. local time today.
During the demolition of the last two columns of "Snezhkom", a huge concrete block broke off from one of them. Falling from a height of approximately 25 meters, it created a huge earth wave that flooded the surrounding area.
According to emergency services, at least 129 cars were buried: they were covered in mud and their windows were broken. It is reported that windows in neighboring buildings, including six apartments, were also destroyed.
The Moscow Region Health Ministry reported that three people sought medical attention. Two of the injured were examined by doctors at the scene and did not require hospitalization. The third, a woman in an apartment on the ninth floor, was taken to the emergency room. A piece of the structure flew onto her balcony, breaking the glass and hitting her in the head. Passersby reported that flying pieces of the structure nearly swept away a woman pushing a stroller.
After the incident, traffic on a nearby street was temporarily closed to clear debris, but it was later reopened.
Local authorities blame the contractor who demolished the complex for the incident. The Krasnogorsk administration said that the collapse of part of the column was the fault of the contractor, OOO „Razvitie“, which was demolishing „Snezhkom“. “Representatives of the contractor and the administration will contact each vehicle owner individually to process the necessary documents and compensate the injured“, the administration said, apologizing to all those affected and promising to hold those responsible accountable.
A representative of the emergency services told RIA Novosti that the incident was most likely caused by a safety violation during work at a high height; the exact cause will be established after investigators complete their work and technical assessments are carried out.
Residents of the neighboring building reported that the rumble caused cracks in the walls and tiles of their apartments.
Investigators have opened a criminal case after the collapse under Article 216 (“Violation of safety regulations during construction or other work“) of the Russian Criminal Code. Investigators and forensic experts are working at the scene of the accident.