Structural engineers assessed the damage and risks at the Multicomercio fire site in Guayaquil, where authorities are planning the demolition process to minimize harm.
Following the massive fire at the Multicomercio complex in downtown Guayaquil, structural engineers from the University of Guayaquil conducted an assessment of the area, referred to as ground zero. The firefighters are still present, and a Unified Command Post has been established nearby to coordinate the recovery efforts. With the fire controlled, authorities are now focusing on the technical aspects of potential demolitions, working to mitigate further damage to surrounding structures.
The manager of Segura EP, Álex Anchundia, revealed that it is essential to identify the risks associated with the unstable structure left by the fire. Four structural engineers inspected the site to evaluate the level of danger and predict possible collapses, which is crucial for determining safe demolition strategies. This assessment process must be thorough to ensure the safety of both the responders and the public.
In addition to the engineers from the university, specialists from the Risk Management department and local firefighters participated in the evaluations. Their collaborative efforts aim to create a concrete plan not only for demolition but also for future safety regulations to prevent similar incidents, highlighting the need for rigorous safety protocols in commercial constructions.
