Why did the Encarnación building collapse? Forensic report reveals findings

A forensic engineering report has concluded that a catastrophic building collapse in Encarnación, Paraguay, in April 2025 was likely caused by a failure in the structure's lower levels.

The investigation, led by a team of prosecutors and conducted by the National University of Asunción's Faculty of Engineering, examined structural elements, documentation, surveillance footage, and soil studies. The findings indicate a rapid loss of vertical support on the right side of the building's lower floors, resulting in a sudden, lateral overturning of the entire structure.

Investigators point to significantly low concrete resistance in the pillars as a probable cause. Comparisons show the pillar resistance was below the levels specified in the blueprints, unlike the beams and slabs which met standards. A key difference noted is that the concrete for the pillars was mixed on-site, whereas the concrete for beams and slabs was plant-prepared. This difference in preparation is attributed to the varying strengths.

Furthermore, the report highlights that the building underwent two expansions. After the sixth floor, no structural reinforcements were documented in the lower levels to account for the increased load. While the report acknowledges that further studies could refine the analysis, the current findings already present a strong case against the structure's stability, with factors like wind action potentially exacerbating the deficiencies.