ZAGREB, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A young person has been arrested in connection with the devastating fire at the Vjesnik building in Zagreb, the capital's Police Department said in a statement on Thursday.
"We confirm that the criminal investigation so far has included several young persons, one of whom has been arrested, and a criminal investigation is being conducted against him," the statement said.
Immediately after the fire broke out in the Vjesnik building before midnight on Monday, the police launched a criminal investigation while securing the scene and ensuring the public safety, the statement said.
According to a report by Croatian daily newspaper Jutarnji list on Thursday, a minor told the police that she was with a group of young people in the Vjesnik building on Monday night. They wanted to climb to the top of the skyscraper, but came across a locked door. At that moment, one of the young men started burning cardboard boxes, and the fire quickly spread. Everyone ran away and left the building.
They were mostly teenagers aged around 16 and 17 who lived near the Vjesnik building, the report said.
On Wednesday, the police analyzed surveillance cameras and interviewed around five minors suspected of potential arson, and confirmed the arrest on Thursday.
The Vjesnik building fire broke out at around 23:04 (2204 GMT) on Monday and was finally brought under control on Tuesday morning after burning the whole night. The Vjesnik skyscraper was one of the tallest buildings in the country before totally destroyed by fire. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the incident. ■
