Hundreds of people remain displaced and seek full compensation following a July fire at a Ząbki apartment block, with many questioning insurance payouts.
Fire Aftermath and Insurance Payouts
The July fire at the apartment block at Powstańców 62 in Ząbki left over 200 apartments destroyed and around 500 people without homes. According to the Polish Insurance Chamber, about 8 million złoty in advances and compensation had been paid out to affected residents by mid-July.
Despite partial payments, many residents have complained about lengthy procedures and low valuations. Some received offers as low as 4,700 złoty for damages estimated at tens of thousands of złoty. A resident reported getting an estimate of 90 złoty for repairing a small room.
Official Intervention and Investigation
The mayor of Ząbki, Małgorzata Zyśk, has requested the Financial Supervision Commission to investigate and expedite insurance payouts. The city has also launched a municipal support program, offering a total of 10,000 złoty in aid, paid in five monthly installments of 2,000 złoty.
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Praga has initiated an investigation into the causes of the fire, conducting a 3D scan of the building and awaiting expert opinions on fire safety.
Building Assessment and Future Plans
The Wołomin County Building Supervision Authority ordered a comprehensive technical assessment of the building after the fire. A four-volume expert report was submitted in early September, which will inform decisions on future repairs and the building’s fate.
