Experts Warn of Aging Apartment Buildings as Jerusalem Balcony Collapse Kills One

A fatal balcony collapse in Jerusalem on July 20 has reignited warnings from engineering experts about the dangers posed by aging residential buildings across Israel. The incident, which killed an 80-year-old man and lightly injured three others on KKL Street, highlights the risks of deteriorating balconies and structural elements in older buildings that have not been properly maintained or reinforced.

Senior engineer Israel David, acting chairman of the Infrastructure Engineers Association, explained that balconies are among the most vulnerable parts of a building because they lack structural backup and are exposed to decades of weathering, causing the reinforcing steel inside the concrete to corrode and weaken. This problem is especially acute in neglected older buildings, often rental properties, where owners may not invest in upkeep. David noted that even Jerusalem’s milder climate does not prevent such degradation over time.

Yaniv Cohen, co-manager at Am Engineers, added that improper design, construction, and usage also contribute to the risk. He cited cases where balconies have been enclosed, converted into living spaces, or loaded with heavy items like small pools, all of which increase stress beyond original specifications and threaten stability.

Attorney Eti Greenberg-Gal, a senior insurance consultant specializing in urban renewal, emphasized the severe legal and financial consequences following such collapses. She warned that compensation claims could reach millions of shekels, especially in cases involving serious injury or death, and urged property owners to ensure their insurance policies cover third-party liability, not just property damage.

Experts agree that beyond regular maintenance and engineering inspections, the long-term solution lies in comprehensive renovation or accelerated urban renewal projects to replace or reinforce Israel’s vast stock of aging buildings. Without such measures, the risk of similar deadly incidents will continue to rise, as demonstrated by recent partial collapses nationwide and now the tragic event in Jerusalem.