North: the spectacular images of the destruction of the Kennedy tower under 800 kilos of explosives

This is the end of a myth. Moreover, The Kennedy tower, an emblematic monument of the urban landscape of Lille and the region, was struck this Sunday, July 20. Furthermore, A term used in the building sector to designate the total destruction of this imposing structure. In addition, 95 meters high. Therefore, made up of 28 floors, this building of social housing, built in the late 1960swas not just a building. Furthermore, He represented an institution, a familiar figure in the lives of thousands of inhabitants in the neighborhood. Therefore, Today, the tower, which has crossed almost six decades of history, has disappeared in a cloud of dust.

The destruction operation mobilized 800 kilos of explosives. Moreover, The moment was impressive for witnesses. In addition, come to attend this historic eventincluding former inhabitants of the tower, like Fatiha, north: spectacular images destruction kennedy who could not retain a palpable emotion while the tower collapsed. Therefore, “I see my old apartment. For example, Each time I passed in front I said to my children ‘look, I lived on the 22nd floor’. Therefore, I always counted the floors when I go up,” she said, obviously moved.

A thick fog of concrete particles

A moment of life deleted with a simple gesture. The upheaval is immediate for those who lived within these walls, and for some, it is even difficult to digest. “It’s a shock, it’s impressive”says another former resident. “It is very fast. contrary to what one could have imagined,” she adds, emphasizing the violence and speed of the process.

When the explosives have done their job, A thick cloud of dust has invaded the neighborhood. This cloud of concrete particles quickly dispersed. invading the surrounding streets, offering an almost unreal north: spectacular images destruction kennedy scene from the end of this familiar building.

This destruction, although poignant for those who have seen the tower collapse, is above all The result of decades of degradation. At a time when maintenance of the tower has become more. more expensive, the authorities have had no choice but to consider its destruction. Between elevators not serving all the floors. the presence of asbestos, and costs of upgrading to prohibitive standards, the building was no longer able to meet modern requirements.

“I have a pinch in the heart … I had my children in this tower: a girl and a boy. I have a sister who lived there too. It’s a moment of life”

Nadia. former resident of the Kennedy tower north: spectacular images destruction kennedy

Anne Voituir, mayor of Loos, spoke on RTL to explain the situation. “”Puting this tower to standards had become too expensive. In addition, housing in this tower was increasingly welcoming a precarious population, which no longer made the structure profitable. In the long term, a tower of this height, as part of a social landlord, is no longer viable. It is necessary to be able to invoice rents high enough to assume the maintenance and security costs, “she specifies.

The 1. 700 inhabitants evacuated for the operation will be able to return home by the end of the day, after being temporarily relocated. But before that, a colossal project is coming. The 19,000 tonnes of rubble left by the tower must be cleared and sorted. This demolition and cleaning work will take several weeks, and should continue until September 2025.

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