At least four families had to hastily leave their homes this Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Montauban. They were evacuated by around twenty firefighters, around 10:30 p.m., because the roof of a two-story building, with a bakery on the ground floor, collapsedin the attic, on 90 m². Fortunately, there is no no injuries.
Partial collapse in the city center
This building is located at 21 Gd Rue Villenouvelle in the city center, a busy road. It belongs to Tarn-et-Garonne Habitat, which specifies in a press release that “the on-call service and general management went immediately to the site”.
The building was therefore evacuated, as well as those adjacent and the one opposite. The people taken care of were rehoused, “some at the hotel and others with their families”specifies the director of Tarn-et-Garonne Habitat. The street remains closed to pedestrians and vehicles. Around 20 firefighters were on site, with drones.
A jeopardy order and other measures put in place
Tarn-et-Garonne Habitat indicates in its press release the measures taken:
- Temporary covering : a temporary protective tarpaulin was installed urgently to limit the risks of bad weather.
- Inspection of neighboring buildings : an initial assessment did not reveal any damage to adjoining buildings, but in-depth checks will be carried out.
- Energy networks: the gas was cut off to guarantee safety, but the electricity was maintained in order to preserve the baker’s refrigeration equipment.
- Access prohibited: the premises (accommodation and bakery) are temporarily prohibited from access for security reasons.
- Endangerment order : An order will be issued by the competent authorities to secure the entire site.
The lessor says it remains mobilized to secure the site and support the occupants.
