Athens apartment building collapse: Adjacent excavation eyed as surveyor defends project

Eleni Georgiou, the topographic engineer who drafted the site plans for the adjacent lot's new five-story development and its prior demolition, publicly defended the project’s safety record.

Speaking to Mega TV, Mrs. Georgiou stated she observed no signs of soil instability prior to the structural failure.

“When I last visited, the ground had not subsided at all; it was natural terrain, just like the surrounding buildings,” Mrs. Georgiou said, emphasizing that the developers had secured all necessary legal permits for the excavation.

The collapse has sparked immediate municipal investigations into urban construction practices in the densely populated capital.

Mrs. Georgiou clarified that her role was strictly topographical—not architectural or civil engineering—but vouched for the construction team's strict adherence to regulations.

“I am deeply shocked and truly sorry for the residents who suddenly found themselves without homes,” Mrs. Georgiou said.

“But I also feel for the engineers and owners. They are absolute professionals, and I believe something entirely unexpected occurred that they could not foresee.”

Emergency response teams and municipal authorities have cordoned off the Petralona site. Structural engineers remain on the scene to assess the foundational stability of the remaining neighboring properties before allowing any residents to return.