The sinking of the square in Ostrava was caused by water from an old pipe

Ostrava - The collapse of the fire truck on Masaryk Square in Ostrava on Tuesday is most likely due to water that has infiltrated the square from a decades-old cast iron pipe or from old unsealed pipes. This is the conclusion from today's geological and geophysical survey of the square, said city hall spokesperson Andrea Vojkovská to ČTK. According to her, it is certain that the collapse is not related to the reconstruction of the square.
    She added that after the conducted surveys, it can be said that the area is safe. A comprehensive examination of the square's subsoil will be carried out next week when the second part of the ordered surveys begins.
    The city district of Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz, which oversees the square, has already built a temporary fence at the site and secured the excavation against collapse. The sinkhole is also being monitored by city police officers.
    The reconstruction of the main square in Ostrava, which was renovated three years ago, is being investigated by the anti-corruption police due to possible fraud. During the repairs, a lower quality paving material than what the project required was presumably used. The main contractor for the construction was Tchas, now Eiffage Construction. The renovation cost approximately 100 million crowns. The city has previously admitted that the work was not done to a high standard. The costs of paving the square alone were about 34 million crowns excluding tax. Poor quality material is not the only issue, as the paving is also loosening. Therefore, the city is demanding repaving of the square from Eiffage Construction.
    The one-year reconstruction of Masaryk Square was completed in June 2007. Nearly 10,000 square meters has been paved.