Two teenagers arrested over Vjesnik building fire

(Photo: Vatrogasna postrojba Zagreb/Facebook)

Zagreb police have completed a criminal investigation into two 18-year-olds suspected of involvement in the major fire that broke out on Monday night at the Vjesnik building on Slavonska Avenue.

According to police, the pair are believed to have entered the premises after 21:50 on 17 November, climbing over a fence with another minor before making their way inside the well-known high-rise.

They reportedly headed to the 15th floor, where they met two other minors already in the building.

Police suspect that one of the 18-year-olds set fire to a cardboard box filled with paper using a lighter.

The second teenager is then believed to have ignited additional paper and thrown it aside, causing the flames to spread rapidly through nearby rooms.

The incident resulted in extensive material damage.

The blaze, which became visible from the exterior shortly before 23:00, quickly climbed the façade and reached several upper floors, including the roof.

A major emergency response followed, with 93 firefighters and 30 vehicles deployed to contain the fire.

Following the investigation, both suspects were handed over to the custody supervisor and a criminal complaint has been filed with the competent state attorney’s office. Police noted that neither of the teenagers had previously been the subject of criminal investigations.

Completed in 1972 and designed by architect Antun Ulrich, the 67-metre-tall Vjesnik building is one of Zagreb’s recognisable landmarks.

At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the most advanced skyscrapers in Europe and served as the headquarters of the once-influential Vjesnik media company.