- A major structural collapse struck the former War Museum building in Chania around noon on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
- The 3rd EMAK disaster response unit deployed specialized search gear and drones to comb through the rubble amid initial fears for unhoused individuals who frequently shelter on the grounds.
- Authorities confirmed following a thorough sweep that no victims or trapped individuals were located beneath the debris.
Emergency services launched a major response in Chania on Thursday after a substantial section of the building that once housed the War Museum of Chania collapsed around noon. Firefighters immediately secured the area while the 3rd EMAK team examined the debris using a drone and specialized detection equipment.
The response was particularly urgent because homeless people had reportedly been frequenting the former museum grounds recently. A thorough search of the collapsed section was completed without finding anyone beneath the rubble.
According to initial information reported by NeaKriti, the emergency response began after a resident heard a loud noise that appeared to indicate a collapse or subsidence and alerted the authorities.
Emergency crews arrived and found that a significant part of the former museum building had come down.
The exact circumstances leading to the collapse remain unclear.
Investigators are also examining the building’s condition in connection with a 2018 fire that caused extensive damage to the former War Museum.
The building has remained out of operation since then. Authorities have not yet established whether the earlier fire, deterioration over time, or another factor contributed to Thursday’s collapse.
The investigation into the cause continues.
For detailed information in Greek and more images, visit NeaKriti.