Partial collapse in Riyadh: Infrastructure Projects Center responds to the incident
The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center (RIPC) announced its immediate response to a partial soil collapse that occurred on Friday, January 25, 2026, on a main street north of Riyadh. This swift action followed a report received at 2:20 PM indicating a dangerous ground subsidence threatening public safety.
Details of the incident and the field response
The center's inspection teams, which arrived at the site immediately after receiving the report, explained that the incident occurred within the boundaries of a building construction site. The initial inspection revealed that ongoing excavation work at the site caused a partial soil collapse, the effects of which extended to the street adjacent to the project. This collapse resulted in damage to several infrastructure assets, most notably the breakage of a main water pipe, leading to a large flow of water that accumulated around the site.
Emergency and crisis management plans were immediately activated in full coordination with relevant authorities, including the Riyadh Municipality, the General Directorate of Traffic, the Saudi Electricity Company, and the National Water Company. The center confirmed that the affected assets were isolated and the site fully secured to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles, emphasizing that services provided to end users in neighboring districts were unaffected and remained stable without interruption.
The importance of infrastructure in the context of urban development
This incident highlights the vital role of the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center in the capital's comprehensive urban development. As development projects accelerate to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 , the importance of strict oversight of excavation and construction work becomes paramount. Riyadh is a major hub for global projects, necessitating a central regulatory body to ensure that projects do not conflict with vital utility networks and to maintain the sustainability of assets.
The center acts as a pivotal link to ensure coordination between various service providers, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of capital spending, improving the urban landscape, and reducing random excavations that may affect the quality of life and smooth traffic flow in the capital.
Safety standards and ongoing monitoring
In a related context, the center emphasized the necessity for all contractors and companies executing projects to adhere to the highest occupational safety standards and the requirements of the Saudi Urban Planning Code during excavation operations. These standards include reinforcing excavation sides, testing the site soil, and accurately identifying underground utility routes before commencing work to avoid accidents that could lead to resource waste and disruption of public interests.
The center praised the high level of preparedness and integration shown by the partner agencies (the Secretariat, Traffic, Electricity, and Water) in dealing with the incident, which contributed effectively to containing the side effects at a record speed.
Communication and reporting channels
The Infrastructure Projects Center reiterated its call to all citizens and residents to contribute to protecting national assets by promptly reporting any observations or violations related to infrastructure work. The center receives reports and complaints 24 hours a day via:
- Unified number: 19909
- The center's application via smart devices: (MIPC)
These efforts are part of the center’s ongoing endeavor to ensure a safe and sustainable infrastructure environment befitting Riyadh’s status as one of the world’s most important capitals.
