German Police Probe Metal Theft Link to Deadly Building Collapse

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Berlin: German investigators say suspected metal thieves might have caused the tragic building collapse by taking structural components from an abandoned property, so weakening the structure and causing it to fail. According to police, evidence collected at the scene suggests that elements of the building's metal framework were removed before to the collapse, a practice commonly associated with the illegal scrap metal trade. Two arrested after the deadly collapse in eastern Germany.

The incident killed one person and triggered a massive emergency reaction, with rescue workers combing through debris for victims and possible survivors. Authorities have begun a criminal inquiry to determine whether the removal of metal supports had a direct impact on the disaster and to identify people accountable.

Investigators are looking into the building's ruins and assessing evidence found on the site, which includes traces of unauthorised entrance and missing metal pieces. Officials say it's too early to draw final conclusions, but preliminary results indicate that criminals damaged the structure's stability while attempting to take valuable metal for resale.

Metal theft has been a persistent issue in areas of Europe, where soaring scrap values have prompted criminals to target construction sites, industrial facilities, and abandoned buildings. Experts warn that removing weight-bearing metal components can pose major safety risks, including catastrophic structural breakdowns.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed if criminal negligence or unlawful salvage operations are confirmed.