On November 5, a crowd will gather on Rue d’Aubagne in Marseille to commemorate the collapse of two buildings, which occurred on November 5, 2018, resulting in the deaths of eight occupants. This year, the commemoration will be special as it coincides with the start of the trial of the “indirect authors” of the disaster. Four individuals, including a former city official responsible for urban risk management, an architect tasked with inspecting one of the buildings, the building’s management company, and the property owner, will face charges of involuntary manslaughter and unintentional injuries.
An investigation by judges Nathalie Roche and Matthieu Grand revealed a series of errors and oversights made by the four defendants that contributed to the tragedy. Just seventeen days before the collapse, the appointed expert neglected to thoroughly inspect the building, spending only an hour and failing to examine critical areas such as the flooded basement – a key factor in the building’s collapse. The judges criticized the expert’s lack of curiosity and failure to explore all potential weaknesses in the building’s structure, which could have prevented the disaster if addressed properly.
The judges highlighted various signs of structural instability in the building that were ignored, such as doors not closing properly, widening cracks, exploding glass blocks, and repetitive water leaks. Had the expert conducted a thorough investigation that included speaking to evacuated occupants and examining the apartments, these warning signs would have alerted him to the building’s serious issues. The judges emphasized that as a specialist in older buildings, the expert should have been aware of the unique construction principles and vulnerabilities of such properties.
The trial is scheduled to last until December 18, with the defendants facing charges for their roles in the fatal collapse. The legal document outlining the case against the accused individuals spans 320 pages and details their alleged actions or inactions that led to the tragic event. The judicial investigation into the causes of the building collapse has shed light on the systemic failures and negligence that allowed the disaster to occur, sparking public outrage and demand for accountability.
The victims of the building collapse will be remembered on the anniversary of the event, as the community gathers to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The tragic incident, which shook Marseille and exposed shortcomings in urban planning and safety regulations, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper building inspections and maintenance to prevent similar disasters. The upcoming trial will seek to determine the culpability of the defendants and bring justice to the families of the victims who perished in the devastating collapse on Rue d’Aubagne.
