'Safety risks' prompt Novosibirsk governor to order building inspections
Governor Andrey Travnikov has ordered inspections of unauthorized built and reconstructed objects following the collapse of a shopping center in Novosibirsk. The issue was discussed at an operational meeting on January 26.
The emergency on Naumova Street in the Pervomaysky District occurred on January 21. As a result, two women were injured, and one man died. Viktor Orlov, head of the Russian Emergencies Ministry«s directorate for Novosibirsk Region, reported on how the aftermath of the collapse was being handled.
Governor Andrey Travnikov stated that authorities in recent years have been «very careful» with business, especially small and medium enterprises. He called this sector one of the foundations of the regional economy.
«But after the recent tragedy, it is time to more persistently correct the consequences of some liberties from previous years, related to unauthorized construction, re-equipment, and reconstruction of buildings — where it can truly lead to risks to people»s safety or where the constructions violate the general urban planning policy of our settlements,« the regional head was quoted by the Telegram channel »Novosibir«.
The inspections should be careful, the governor clarified. Such measures are needed to identify objects that cause the most concern.
On January 21, the second floor of a shopping center collapsed on Naumova Street in Novosibirsk. Several people were trapped under the debris, one of whom ultimately died. The victim of the tragedy was a shop cashier, who left behind a wife and four daughters.
The shopping center building turned out to be an unauthorized construction, and its owner was detained. The businessman was placed under arrest. All that is known about the emergency, we have collected in a separate story.
