The Public Prosecution initiated investigation procedures into the incident of a property collapse in the Janzour area, to determine the causes of the accident.
The death toll from the collapse of a residential building in Janzour, west of the capital, Tripoli, rose to 8 people and 20 injuries, including 12 injured in critical condition and the others in stable condition. The mayor of Janzour, Fathi Issa, said in a statement to the “Ain Libya” network, that “the victims of the tragedy are of non-Libyan nationalities. They are of Egyptian and African nationalities.”
In implementation of the work entrusted to the tasks of the Center for Judicial Expertise and Research, on Thursday, 10/07/2024, at 11:30…
Posted byCenter for Judicial Expertise and Research - LibyaIn Friday, November 8, 2024
Last updated: November 9, 2024 – 08:31
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Time.news Interview: Investigating the Janzour Building Collapse
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today we are discussing a tragic incident that recently unfolded in Janzour, where a residential building collapsed, leading to a rising death toll and numerous injuries. Joining us is Dr. Amal Al-Mansoori, a structural engineering expert who has spent over a decade studying building safety and regulations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Al-Mansoori.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, although I wish it were under better circumstances.
Editor: Absolutely. First and foremost, could you give us an overview of the current situation in Janzour? What have we learned from this tragedy so far?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Yes, the situation is dire. As reported, the death toll has tragically risen to eight individuals, with around twenty people injured, twelve of whom are in critical condition. The Public Prosecution has initiated an investigation to determine the causes of the collapse, which is crucial not only for understanding this incident but also for preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Editor: What are some of the common causes of building collapses like the one we’re seeing in Janzour?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: There are several potential causes. Poor construction practices, substandard materials, lack of adherence to building codes, and inadequate maintenance can all lead to structural failures. Additionally, external factors like soil instability, water damage, or unforeseen natural events can compromise building integrity. Often, it’s a combination of these factors that leads to disaster.
Editor: With the government now investigating, what aspects do you think will be the focus of their inquiry?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: The investigation will likely focus on a few key areas: the building’s design and construction history, including whether it met local regulations and standards. They may also look into the materials used, any previous complaints about the property, and whether proper maintenance was conducted. Furthermore, eyewitness accounts and the injuries sustained could help reconstruct what happened during the collapse.
Editor: With the death toll already at eight, what immediate support is generally offered to survivors and affected families in such situations?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: In the wake of a building collapse, local authorities typically provide emergency medical treatment for the injured. Additionally, support services like counseling and temporary housing are crucial for those who have lost their homes or loved ones. It’s vital that these families receive both immediate relief and long-term support to help them recover from the psychological impact of such a traumatic event.
Editor: It’s heart-wrenching to think about the families affected. Moving forward, what steps can be taken to improve building safety in areas like Janzour?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Addressing building safety requires a multi-faceted approach. First, strengthening enforcement of existing building codes is essential. Governments must ensure that structures are regularly inspected and maintained. There should also be public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights regarding housing safety. investing in training for engineers and construction workers can promote better practices across the industry.
Editor: Those steps sound crucial. What message do you hope people take away from this unfortunate event?
Dr. Al-Mansoori: I hope this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and citizens alike about the importance of building safety and regulation. We need to advocate for safer communities, not just for ourselves but for future generations. Every life lost is a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent about safety standards in construction.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansoori, for your insights during this difficult time. We appreciate your expertise and hope for a thorough investigation that leads to substantial improvements in building safety.
Dr. Al-Mansoori: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep these conversations going in order to drive necessary change.