Subcontractor to face trial over Volgograd ceiling collapse

The Investigative Committee of the Kirovsky District has determined that a subcontractor was responsible for the ceiling collapse in the two-story building at 41 Veselaya Balka Street. This firm was hired by the contractor to repair the roof. According to the investigation, the work began without necessary documents and during heavy rain, which was ignored.

The roof of this building was dismantled as part of a major renovation just before the start of the rainy season. As a result, ceilings in the apartments rotted and began to collapse due to leaks. In one apartment, parts of the structure fell on the homeowner, which could have led to tragic consequences.

The repair contract worth 11.6 million rubles (approximately $129,000 at current rates) with the capital repair fund was carried out by the Moscow-based company LLC «Architect». Its director also managed LLC «Bel Az Agro», which previously handled repairs at building 56 on Yeremenko Street. Due to cracks in the foundation of that building, the Center for Family Health and Reproduction located on the first floor had to be closed.

According to data from a counterparty verification service, this director«s business career began with a juice production enterprise. He was also a participant in the now-liquidated production center »Golden Key« and is connected to several private security companies.

Residents of the building complained about the contractors« inaction: a month passed after the first leaks, but repair work on the roof was barely underway. In August, the prosecutor»s office got involved, and today the Investigative Committee announced the completion of the investigation into the subcontractor«s general director.

‘As the responsible party, the director was fully aware of the lack of necessary permits to begin the major renovation of the facility. Acting out of personal interest, related to the desire to complete the work within the contract deadlines and receive payment, the accused instructed subordinates to start removing the roof of the residential building. The work was carried out without the necessary construction materials and without considering weather conditions. Subsequently, the individual did not ensure proper protection of the interfloor ceilings or timely installation of the roofing.’

The press service of the Investigative Committee for the Volgograd Region declined to name the specific subcontractor firm. Senior assistant to the head for media relations Natalia Rudnik explained that she does not have information on which organization is charged under Part 1 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.