Two old and derelict building in Bucharest's Old Town on Blanari street collapsed yesterday (May 15), and the incident could trigger a change in legislation.

Nobody was living in the adjoining buildings and there were no casualties. Workers at one of the adjoining houses felt trepidations, stopped work and called the authorities, and within a short time, the authorities started to seal off the area and the facade of the building's two wings collapsed. The building at Blanari number 4 and 6 was a historic building, dating back to 1884, hence it was illegal to demolish it. The building at number 6 used to serve as shelter for homeless people, but nobody had been there for months. The building at number 4 is a private property and revamping construction work was underway, with approval from the Bucharest City Hall. The report based on which the approval was issued stated that work would not affect the resistance and stability of adjoining buildings, at number 2 and 6. The building at number 6 is owned by the Municipality, and the Bucharest City Hall plans to sue the owner of the adjoining building, whose construction work caused the collapse.

Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu said he will ask the Prime Minister to change the legislation so as to be able to expropriate buildings which are left derelict and which could become dangerous for citizens. Many other buildings in the Old Town are in a similar situation, despite the recent improvements in the area, which has become the number one destination for restaurants and night life in Bucharest. Since demolition of historic buildings is not allowed, owners prefer to let buildings fall apart by themselves, before building something else on the land.

editor@romania-insider.com