Zagreb's Vjesnik Skyscraper Demolition: Drone Footage Reveals Progress Amidst Public Scrutiny
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Demolition work is progressing on the Vjesnik skyscraper in Zagreb, with the 16th and 15th floors being removed.
- The process involves specialized techniques like diamond cutting and flame cutting due to the building's condition and height.
- Public reaction to the demolition, captured by drone footage, ranges from curiosity to criticism regarding cost and speed.
Demolition work is steadily progressing on Zagreb's Vjesnik skyscraper, a once-iconic symbol of the city, which was severely damaged by a fire. The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has released drone footage showcasing the intricate process of removing the 16th and 15th floors. This staged removal is being conducted with stringent safety measures, acknowledging the complexity and the high-altitude work in the city center.
We paid hundreds of thousands of euros for drone inspections! Because a person couldn't enter the building! Now there are excavators on top?
The footage reveals various stages of the operation, including the use of diamond saws to cut reinforced concrete on the 15th floor and flame cutting to dismantle the steel structure of the 16th floor. Aerial views clearly illustrate the building's changing silhouette as the demolition advances, captivating and prompting numerous comments from citizens on social media.
Public reaction to the demolition has been varied. Some commenters expressed skepticism about the costs, with one noting, "We paid hundreds of thousands of euros for drone inspections! Because a person couldn't enter the building! Now there are excavators on top?" Others questioned the earlier assessments of the building's stability, with one remarking, "Engineers who said it was unstable should return their diplomas." A few voiced impatience, suggesting, "The Chinese would have demolished and cleared it in ten days."
Engineers who said it was unstable should return their diplomas.
The Vjesnik skyscraper's fate was sealed after a devastating fire, leading to the decision for its complete removal. The ongoing demolition is a visible, albeit gradual, process that is reshaping the city's skyline, one floor at a time, as it disappears before the eyes of Zagreb's residents.
The Chinese would have demolished and cleared it in ten days.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.