Young person arrested in connection with Vjesnik building fire

(Photo: Vatrogasna postrojba Zagreb/Facebook)

A young person has been arrested in connection with a fire which destroyed Vjesnik Tower in the Croatian capital, Zagreb Police Department said in a statement on Thursday.

A major fire broke out late on Monday at the Vjesnik building on Slavonska Avenue in Zagreb, with flames rapidly spreading up the façade and reaching several upper floors, including the roof.

The incident, which began shortly before 11 p.m., triggered a significant response from Zagreb’s fire service.

At one point, 93 firefighters with 30 vehicles were engaged in tackling the blaze.

“We confirm that the criminal investigation so far has involved several young people, one of whom has been arrested and is being investigated,” Police said, adding.

“Since timely information is important to us, guided primarily by the interest of an effective criminal investigation, we will provide additional information to the public as soon as circumstances permit.”

Police confirmed that they opened a criminal investigation immediately upon being notified of the fire.

Alongside securing the area and ensuring public safety, officers began collecting crucial information from people who might provide useful insight into the circumstances of the incident.

Authorities stressed that timely public updates remain important to them, but the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation remains the priority.

The high-rise was completed in 1972, designed by architect Antun Ulrich. Standing 67 meters tall, it includes 16 stories along with both a ground level and an elevated ground floor.

When it was first built, it ranked among the most advanced skyscrapers in Europe and served as the headquarters of the prominent media company Vjesnik.