Second roof collapse in days strikes Verkhoturye after heavy snowfall
A roof collapse occurred on Maltsev Street in Verkhoturye on Thursday, March 12, after heavy snow weighed down a single-story residential building. The incident marked the second such collapse in the area within days, raising concerns about structural safety under winter conditions.
The collapse affected part of a four-apartment building, covering an area of 150 square metres. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities have linked the failure to the combination of thick snow and shifting temperatures, which can weaken older structures.
The Sverdlovsk region has seen at least 12 similar incidents over the past five years. In early 2025, Yekaterinburg recorded five collapses, while Nizhny Tagil and Pervouralsk experienced major failures during heavy snowfalls in 2023 and 2024. Local officials are urging residents to take precautions. Homeowners should clear snow from roofs before ice forms and check rafters for damage. Those in apartment buildings are advised to report heavy snow buildup on entrance canopies to their property management or homeowners' association.
The latest collapse highlights ongoing risks from snow accumulation in the region. With no injuries this time, the focus remains on preventing future incidents through regular maintenance. Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable structures as winter conditions persist.
