A partial collapse at a residential complex in Buenos Aires’ Parque Patricios neighborhood on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, prompted the evacuation of over 300 families, according to early reports. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in the Argentine capital.
The collapse occurred in the building’s garage, located at the intersection of Avenida Suárez and Calle Mafalda, near the Barracas Central stadium. Authorities received alerts around 4:45 a.m. Local time, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Firefighters and four ambulances from the SAME medical service were dispatched to the scene. Initial assessments indicated no injuries, though several vehicles were reportedly trapped under debris. “The people were evacuated and the supplies were cut off, all as a precaution,” a fire department official stated.
According to Infobae, approximately 200 residents are affected by the collapse. The building is part of the PRO.CRE.AR housing program. One resident, Federico, told reporters, “For now there has been property damage, no one has died or been injured because it happened at 4 in the morning.”
La Nación reported that around 60 vehicles were buried under the rubble after the ceiling of the parking garage gave way. Residents of three adjacent buildings, housing approximately 500 people, were evacuated as a preventative measure. La Nación also noted that construction work was underway at the site to improve drainage and prevent water leaks.
Authorities have cut off utilities to the building while structural engineers assess the damage and determine when residents can safely return. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
Clarin.com reported that the incident occurred simultaneously with a significant fire at a building in Belgrano, adding to the emergency response challenges for Buenos Aires authorities.
