Metz: partial evacuation of Queuleu prison following the collapse of a slab in building C

One of the buildings of the penitentiary center of Queuleu in Metz (Moselle) was being evacuated this Monday June 8, 2020 following the appearance “of several cracks of approximately 6 centimeters and the subsidence of approximately 10 centimeters from the ceiling slab” indicates this evening the Moselle prefecture. This two-storey building includes the infirmary and, upstairs, the regional medical-psychological service (SMPR). This building has been under construction for several months and problems had already been reported, including leaks from the underfloor heating. There is, however, no indication at this time of a causal link.

Earthquake not felt, no structural risk

According to Franck Rassel, regional secretary FO-Penitentiary, contacted by phone, “53 detainees were redirected from building C where the crack appeared, to building A of the establishment and the prisons of Nancy and Epinal. A priori, no one was injured. Several cracks appeared and this slab suddenly collapsed shortly before 5 p.m.“

The firefighters went to the site and a crisis cell is currently in action. Because the administration and the guards fear a collapse of the building. Representatives from the Nancy Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) are currently on site to assess the damage due to an unseen earthquake. But it could be she who would have lowered the slab by 10cm. however around 9:15 p.m., the BRGM indicated that there was “no structural risk on the building“. It should therefore not collapse, but the situation will no doubt require major work.

No wounded, prisoners evacuated

The regional intervention and security teams (ERIS) arrived at the end of the afternoon from Strasbourg. It is they who are responsible for getting their cell (or others) back to the detainees who have been evacuated to the driveway since the incident. They should also be responsible for the transfer of several prisoners in the evening to Epinal and Nancy.

The Metz penitentiary center currently accommodates 448 prisoners

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