He starts throwing ice cubes into a pipe and four buildings are evacuated: “We had to leave immediately”

A misunderstanding among neighbors on Puits Closde Street in Toulouse, France, led to an intervention by security forces and the evacuation of four terraced buildings, according to La Dépêche.

The incident occurred mid-morning when a resident at number 15 began hearing strange noises coming from one of his walls. Concerned, he contacted the city’s emergency services.

It’s worth noting that just over a year ago, a significant number of businesses and homes on nearby Saint-Rome Street—less than 100 meters from the current location—collapsed. That recent memory left neighbors especially anxious about the potential for another structural failure.

Firefighters arrived within an hour of the call and proceeded to evacuate four adjoining buildings—specifically numbers 2, 14, 15, and 17—due to their proximity to the source of the noise and the perceived risk.

“We didn’t even have time to close the windows or pack our things,” one neighbor said.

Once the buildings were fully evacuated, firefighters and structural experts entered all four properties to inspect for signs of damage, such as cracks or subsidence. No structural abnormalities were found.

After the inspection, several specialists concluded that the unusual noise had likely been caused by a neighbour disposing of ice cubes—or another small object—down a drain. The friction of the object moving through the pipes had produced the concerning sound.

Related stories

Stadiums

How much does it cost to name a stadium in the USA?

International Conflict

US intel warns of ‘doomsday weapon’ as China readies airborne drone fleet

“The checks quickly ruled out any risk. It was a simple misunderstanding, but given the current sensitivities in the area, caution remains important,” said a fire department official.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.