A roof collapse at a medical facility’s garage in Kačkanar, a hospital town in the Sverdlovsk region, dropped onto ambulances stationed beneath. The information was confirmed by the regional Ministry of Health through its Telegram channel and later corroborated by on-site assessments. On March 2, around 8:00 p.m., a portion of the garage roof gave way above the area where the ambulances were kept. At the moment of the collapse, no staff members were inside the garage, and there were no fatalities.
Two vehicles sustained damage during the incident. Emergency crews quickly moved to secure the site and minimize any further risk to staff, patients, or nearby infrastructure. Initial observations indicated that the roof failure likely occurred under the load of heavy winter snow. Footage circulating on the ministry’s Telegram channel shows two Gazelle ambulances affected by the structural failure. Medical facility staff reported that a crack in the ceiling had been observed several days prior, suggesting there were signs of distress that might not have triggered timely corrective action. These early indicators are now part of ongoing reviews aimed at understanding how the situation unfolded and preventing a recurrence.
The Ministry of Health emphasized the swift actions taken to address the immediate consequences and stabilize operations at the facility. A formal assessment by engineers and insurers is expected to determine whether the two crushed ambulances can be repaired or if they will be considered beyond salvage. The evaluation will rely on structural analyses, the extent of damage to surrounding infrastructure, and the long-term viability of using the garage for emergency vehicles. Updates on the assessment’s findings are anticipated as those investigations proceed.
Separately, local authorities reported a separate incident involving a Russian woman riding a scooter who collided with a truck after the vehicle braked suddenly in Phuket. She sustained injuries to her nose and shoulder, underscoring the importance of awareness and protective measures for riders and pedestrians in busy areas. This incident adds to a broader, global discussion about traffic dynamics, road safety, and the need for clear protocols for emergency transport routes during high-traffic periods.
In a separate development reflecting ongoing political tensions, a former leftist activist set fire to a vehicle owned by a member of the Alternative for Germany party. This act signals the volatile nature of political demonstrations across regions and serves as a reminder of the strain that protests can place on public safety and law enforcement resources. Authorities continue to monitor such events and reinforce safety measures to protect communities and property while allowing peaceful expression.
Overall, the Kačkanar garage collapse highlights the critical role of facility maintenance, structural monitoring, and rapid emergency response in minimizing harm during accidents involving essential services. It also illustrates how cross-border incidents—from traffic disruptions to political protests—can shape public safety planning and risk assessment in a connected, regional context.