Damaged building collapses in Beirut’s Bir el-Abed without causing casualties

Sunday 19 July 2026 - 11:02

By: Sahili Aya

Damaged building collapses in Beirut’s Bir el-Abed without causing casualties

A section of a residential building in Bir el-Abed, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, collapsed overnight between Saturday and Sunday, destroying two floors but causing no casualties, according to local sources.

The structure had previously been damaged by Israeli bombardments and had been declared unsafe by municipal authorities, who had restricted access to the site over fears of a possible collapse.

Building was already evacuated

The collapse occurred at around 3:30 a.m., according to information confirmed by local sources. Despite reports circulating on social media suggesting that residents may have been inside the building, officials clarified that the property had been empty and sealed off before the incident.

Saad el-Ahmar, head of the South Metn regional center of Lebanon’s Civil Defense, said the municipality had taken precautionary measures by closing access to the building with a chain due to concerns about its structural stability.

Emergency teams deployed after collapse

Videos shared online showed smoke rising from the damaged structure following the collapse. Civil Defense teams immediately moved to the location after receiving reports of the incident and carried out inspections to assess the situation.

Authorities have not reported any injuries or additional damage to nearby buildings.

Growing concerns over damaged urban structures

The incident highlights the challenges facing communities in areas affected by recent military strikes, where damaged buildings continue to pose safety risks even after active hostilities have subsided.

In Beirut’s southern suburbs, several structures have suffered extensive damage, raising concerns among residents and local authorities about the need for assessments, stabilization measures and reconstruction efforts.