GALLERY: Spectacular Malmö houseboat crash
See a gripping series of images from a capsizing houseboat in Malmö at the weekend that left one person seriously injured. One expert claims the accident resulted from a faulty permitting process.
A leading building designer placed the blame squarely on authorities in Malmö for granting planning permits for the houseboat when they shouldn't have.
"I was just waiting for this happen," houseboat designer Richard Bergström with brand Aquavilla told local newspaper Sydsvenskan.
IN PICTURES: See the moment the houseboat topples into the canal
He pointed to the houseboat's foundation as being ill-equipped to support the dwelling.
"Of course I'm shocked that it happened but I know why it happened. It was built on a foundation designed for a floating sauna rather than a floating house," he told Sveriges Radio (SR).
One man was left seriously injured when the houseboat capsized in Malmö's western harbour during a party on Saturday night. A total of 42 people were rescued from the canal with six requiring hospital treatment.
A witness described it as "like the Titanic. People were climbing up the sides."
The reasons for the houseboat's collapse remain unclear and an investigation is currently underway. Police have not ruled out foul play but "nobody is currently suspected for a crime" according to the Skåne police's press office.
Initial reports indicated the houseboat may have collapsed due to a tent being erected on the roof causing the boat to change direction with the wind.
However, expert Richard Bergström said these particular houseboats were not suitable for docking in the canal.
"The permits granted in Malmö know nothing about vessel stability. When these houseboats were approved they thought just about houses. They should never have been approved as vessels."
Police have recommended that two identical houseboats beside the sunken one should also be inspected.
IN PICTURES: See the moment the houseboat topples into the canal
The Local/pr
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A leading building designer placed the blame squarely on authorities in Malmö for granting planning permits for the houseboat when they shouldn't have.
"I was just waiting for this happen," houseboat designer Richard Bergström with brand Aquavilla told local newspaper Sydsvenskan.
IN PICTURES: See the moment the houseboat topples into the canal
He pointed to the houseboat's foundation as being ill-equipped to support the dwelling.
"Of course I'm shocked that it happened but I know why it happened. It was built on a foundation designed for a floating sauna rather than a floating house," he told Sveriges Radio (SR).
One man was left seriously injured when the houseboat capsized in Malmö's western harbour during a party on Saturday night. A total of 42 people were rescued from the canal with six requiring hospital treatment.
A witness described it as "like the Titanic. People were climbing up the sides."
The reasons for the houseboat's collapse remain unclear and an investigation is currently underway. Police have not ruled out foul play but "nobody is currently suspected for a crime" according to the Skåne police's press office.
Initial reports indicated the houseboat may have collapsed due to a tent being erected on the roof causing the boat to change direction with the wind.
However, expert Richard Bergström said these particular houseboats were not suitable for docking in the canal.
"The permits granted in Malmö know nothing about vessel stability. When these houseboats were approved they thought just about houses. They should never have been approved as vessels."
Police have recommended that two identical houseboats beside the sunken one should also be inspected.
IN PICTURES: See the moment the houseboat topples into the canal
The Local/pr
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