Paris, France. At least 19 people were injured, including one in critical condition, after a fifth-floor apartment floor collapsed during a birthday party in Paris’s 11th arrondissement early Sunday. Prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into the cause of the structural failure.
Collapse during gathering
The incident occurred at about 12:20 am on Sunday, 18 January 2026, during a gathering of roughly 50 people at a fifth-floor apartment at 34 bis Rue Amelot. Witnesses reported a loud boom before the floor gave way and partygoers fell into the apartment below.
Emergency response and rescue
Emergency services deployed 125 firefighters and 40 rescue vehicles. Rescuers found one victim buried under rubble in cardiac arrest and firefighters resuscitated the person on-site before a priority transfer to hospital.
Evacuations and building safety measures
As a precaution, authorities evacuated the main building and two neighbouring properties. Officials said the building’s general structure reportedly remains sound, and the police prefecture said workers reinforced the fourth floor while a full structural audit is carried out.
Official reaction
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed sympathy for those injured and their families and thanked firefighters and civil protection teams for their overnight mobilisation.
What safety checks would you expect authorities to conduct before allowing residents to return?