The government building in Liestal was evacuated on Monday after the ceiling in the government room collapsed. According to the Canton of Basel-Landschaft, the entire ceiling cladding detached around midday for reasons that remain under investigation. No one was present in the room at the time of the incident, and approximately 70 employees from the General Secretariat of the Security Directorate and the State Chancellery have been directed to work from home.
The government building, which underwent a 3.8 million Swiss franc renovation that concluded in 2024, is housed in a structure that dates back to the 18th century.
Why the collapse is under investigation
The Canton’s Building Department has initiated an immediate review to determine the cause of the structural failure. Officials are currently investigating whether other rooms within the facility utilize similar ceiling construction methods. Access to the affected government room is currently restricted, which the Canton stated is why no photographic evidence of the damage has been released to the public.
The significance of this incident is compounded by the fact that the building recently completed over a year of construction aimed specifically at improving safety. When a facility undergoes a multi-million franc project to enhance security, a structural failure shortly thereafter raises immediate questions regarding the scope of those previous renovations and the integrity of the building’s historic fabric.
What happens next
The building remains closed to staff while the Building Department conducts its safety inspection. A possible next step involves a comprehensive audit of the building’s ceilings to ensure no other areas pose a risk to the 70 employees who normally occupy the site. Until the investigation concludes, it is likely that the affected personnel will continue to work remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was anyone injured during the ceiling collapse?
No, the Canton confirmed that no one was in the government room at the time of the incident.
How many employees were affected by the evacuation?
Approximately 70 employees, including staff from the General Secretariat of the Security Directorate and the State Chancellery, were required to leave the building.
What is the status of the building’s recent renovations?
The building was reopened in 2024 following a 3.8 million Swiss franc renovation project that lasted over a year and focused on improving safety measures.
How should public institutions balance the preservation of 18th-century architecture with modern safety standards?
