Engineer denies guilt in connection with Jókai Street building collapse before the accident
Four specialists have been charged in connection with a 2022 construction site in Terézváros, where a wall collapsed and a pedestrian suffered severe permanent injuries.
Engineer denies guilt in connection with Jókai Street building collapse before the accident
A preliminary hearing was held at the Pest Central District Court in the context of a case related to a construction site in Budapest's sixth district in summer 2022. According to the indictment, four specialists – including a contractor, a general planner, a structural engineer and a responsible technical director – worked on the expansion of an apartment building. The permit required the observance of regulations and technical documentation, yet the work proceeded without inspection and without professional supervision. No demolition plan was prepared, and the danger zone was not cordoned off.
On 27 June 2022, following a partial demolition, a wall collapsed over approximately 50 metres in length from a height of 25 metres. The debris, estimated at 8–10 tonnes, fell onto the pavement and road surface, and buried a pedestrian passing through. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and suffered permanent damage. Two further pedestrians received minor injuries healing within eight days, and eight parked private cars were damaged. According to the investigation, the tragedy could have been prevented with proper work practices.
The prosecution requested 1 year 8 months imprisonment for the first defendant and 1 year 6 months – suspended with a three-year probation – for the others, as well as a ban from their professions. However, all four defendants denied guilt at the preliminary hearing. The court will continue the evidence procedure in September with the hearing of the defendants.
Source: Index.hu
Source: Index