A major landslide struck Carl Berners plass in Oslo on Sunday evening. Earth and rocks slid down the slope behind Hasleveien 9-13. These addresses belong to the Student Welfare Organization in Oslo, which operates them as Carl Berner student housing.
Documents reveal that officials warned the student welfare organization about potentially dangerous conditions back in 2021. A geologist with the city had alerted authorities after noticing concerning conditions during a neighborhood walk.
"We are of course aware of that warning, and we have followed up on it," said the student welfare organization leader.
Planning officials sent a formal notice to the organization in April 2021. The notice stated that property owners must ensure their land remains in safe condition and doesn't pose danger to others. Officials specifically mentioned possible rock cleaning needs on the slope.
The student welfare organization claims they addressed the concerns immediately after the 2021 warning. They conducted safety work and removed loose masses from the area. Annual inspections followed these initial measures.
Police evacuated the Carl Berner student housing shortly after the landslide occurred. The property registry shows 290 apartments across three buildings. Residents were moved to temporary accommodation through arrangements with Oslo municipality.
Later, police also evacuated buildings in Sukkertoppveien 1-5 as a precaution. The student welfare organization leadership held emergency meetings Sunday night following the incident.
This situation raises questions about whether proper maintenance occurred between the 2021 warning and Sunday's landslide. The gap between official warnings and actual incidents often reveals systemic safety enforcement problems.