the essential
Nearly 90 m² of roof collapsed in the attic of a building on Grande rue Villenouvelle, in Montauban this Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This event endangered the structure of the building and threatened neighboring homes, leading to the evacuation of several families and the establishment of a major emergency system.
Nearly 90 m² of roof collapsed in the attic of a building on the Grande Rue Villenouvelle, in Montaubanendangering its structure, this Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This incident caused the evacuation of several homes and mobilized a large-scale emergency system, active for a large part of the night.
Around twenty firefighters, assisted by the Rescue and Search Unit (USAR) of the Tarn-et-Garonne Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (Sdis), intervened to secure the scene.
Drones were deployed to assess the damage and check the condition of surrounding buildings. “A tarpaulin was installed on the roof in order to prevent any additional risk linked to bad weather,” indicates Colonel Franck Dubois, second in command of SDIS 82.
DDM – MAX LAGARRIGUE
Residents evacuated and traffic prohibited
Due to the risks involved, two families from the affected building, as well as two others from neighboring buildings, were evacuated. “They were taken care of and relocated to a hotel in the town,” indicates the deputy mayor, Claude Jean, in charge of public security, present on site this Wednesday morning.
Residents living at 16 to 18, Grande Rue Villenouvelle, also had to leave their homes as a precautionary measure. “We hope to quickly obtain authorization from the expert to at least reopen the sidewalk opposite, so that local residents can return to their homes,” specifies the elected official in charge of security. A resident evacuated by the municipal police testified: “I was sleeping, I heard nothing of the collapse of the frame.”
DDM – MAX LAGARRIGUE
Security measures were reinforced by seven police officers and a dog team from the Montauban police station, mobilized last night to protect the perimeter during the emergency intervention.
At the same time, the municipal technical services installed barriers, prohibiting traffic, both pedestrian and automobile, in nearby streets, particularly at the intersections of rue Cambis and rue des Petits Drôles.
An imminent endangerment order
A municipal decree has been issued to close the top of Grande rue Villenouvelle, pending the conclusions of an expert expected in the morning. Claude Jean confirmed that an imminent endangerment order will also be issued to sustainably secure the area.
In-depth analyses, carried out by experts, are underway to determine the causes of this spectacular collapse and assess the stability of the building.
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