A three-storey residential building collapsed on Thursday-Friday night in the Janzour area, west of the capital, Tripoli, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries.
According to medical sources, rescue teams recovered (4) bodies, including a child, a woman, and a number of injured people, and a search is underway for survivors under the rubble. Meanwhile, ambulance and emergency teams continue their efforts to rescue the stranded people and transfer them to hospitals to receive treatment.
Late Thursday night – Friday, the Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, inspected the casualties of the residential building collapse in Janzour.
Al-Dabaiba followed the work of the rescue teams and the efforts of medical personnel at the site of the accident, stressing that the necessary care would be provided to those affected, and that rescue and relief operations would continue.
The Prime Minister said that he “directed the Ministries of Interior and Justice to open an urgent investigation and hold those involved in the incident accountable.”
Now | Our #government platform follows the efforts of rescue and relief teams at the site of the residential building collapse in the #Janzour area in the capital, #Tripoli. #OurGovernment #Libya #National_Unity_Government
Posted byOur governmentIn Thursday, November 7, 2024
The rapid response teams at the Judicial Expertise and Research Center began their work following the collapse of a residential building in the Janzour area, which led to deaths and a number of injuries.
According to the teams, they initiated the necessary procedures, as the judicial police secured the site, while the forensic medicine department in Abu Salim was opened to receive cases of injury, and the Public Prosecution was informed to initiate investigations into the circumstances of the incident.
Last updated: November 8, 2024 – 09:52
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Time.news Interview: The Aftermath of a Tragedy in Tripoli
Editor: Good day, and welcome to this urgent discussion regarding the tragic building collapse in Janzour, near Tripoli. Joining me today is Dr. Amina Rachid, a structural engineering expert and safety consultant with over 15 years of experience in urban resilience. Thank you for being here, Dr. Rachid.
Dr. Rachid: Thank you for having me. It’s important to address such incidents and hopefully learn from them.
Editor: Absolutely. Let’s dive right in. We’ve just witnessed a heartbreaking event where a three-storey residential building collapsed, leading to multiple casualties. What factors typically contribute to residential building failures like the one we saw in Janzour?
Dr. Rachid: Building collapses can often be attributed to a combination of factors, including poor construction practices, inadequate materials, lack of proper maintenance, and even environmental considerations like soil stability and seismic activity. In regions with historical conflicts, like Libya, the construction quality can suffer significantly, leading to vulnerabilities like those we are witnessing in Janzour.
Editor: The rescue efforts are currently ongoing, with teams recovering bodies and searching for survivors. What are the typical procedures and challenges faced by rescue teams in such scenarios?
Dr. Rachid: Rescue operations are incredibly challenging in the immediate aftermath of a collapse. Teams have to carefully navigate unstable wreckage to ensure their own safety while searching for survivors. The risk of secondary collapses is significant. They typically use specialized equipment such as sonar devices to locate voices or movements under the rubble, and time is critical—every minute counts when it comes to finding survivors.
Editor: Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba has emphasized the need for urgent investigations into this tragedy, directing the Ministries of Interior and Justice to hold accountable those involved. How crucial is it to have such investigations following incidents like this?
Dr. Rachid: Investigations are essential. They serve two primary purposes: accountability and prevention. Understanding the root cause of the collapse is vital for legal and moral reasons, but it’s equally important for regulatory and safety reforms. If we don’t identify the failures and enforce consequences, similar tragedies are likely to happen again.
Editor: We also see the establishment of rapid response teams from the Judicial Expertise and Research Center. Can you explain the role of these teams in the aftermath of a disaster?
Dr. Rachid: The rapid response teams are critical in managing both the immediate aftermath and the legal implications of a collapse. They secure the site, preserve evidence, and gather data that can be used in future investigations. In addition, having forensic teams available to treat the injured and document the site is crucial in ensuring that the rights of victims are upheld, and accountability is ensured.
Editor: It’s a multidisciplinary approach then—both humanitarian and legal. As a structural engineer, what preventative measures do you believe should be implemented in Libya to avoid future tragedies like this one?
Dr. Rachid: First and foremost, we need stricter enforcement of building regulations and codes. Investing in training for engineers, architects, and construction workers is also vital to ensure they understand and can implement safe building practices. Furthermore, community awareness about construction standards and reporting mechanisms can empower locals to take action when they see something unsafe.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy is needed. As we reflect on this tragedy, what message would you like to convey to the residents of Janzour and others affected by similar incidents?
Dr. Rachid: My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Community resilience is key in these challenging times, and it’s crucial that everyone stays informed about safety practices. I urge residents to advocate for safer buildings and to demand accountability from their local authorities. It’s only through collective action that we can hope to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rachid, for your insightful perspectives and your commitment to advancing safety in construction. We appreciate your time amidst such a devastating event.
Dr. Rachid: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope this tragedy leads to meaningful change for the better.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining this important discussion. We will continue to provide updates on the situation in Janzour as well as on ongoing rescue efforts.