Nearly 100 residents of Munkebjerg Park in Odense will be permitted to return to their homes starting Friday afternoon after being evacuated due to concerns about the stability of the building’s balconies. City officials confirmed that 97 residents from specific stairwells within the complex can move back in as foundation reinforcement work progresses.

The evacuation, which affected a total of 249 residents across five properties and three apartment blocks, was ordered by Odense Municipality following an assessment of the balcony foundations. The remaining residents will receive an update next week regarding their potential return.

According to the property owner, the return of residents will coincide with ongoing foundation reinforcement work, with the final stages of the project to be completed after residents are back in their apartments. Since the evacuation, displaced residents have been accommodated in a hotel or have made alternative arrangements.

The evacuation was described as chaotic, particularly as it occurred when many residents were away for the weekend or autumn vacation. City officials acknowledged the disruption and stress caused to the residents.

The situation at Munkebjerg Park is further complicated by a workplace accident in January, where a man died when a balcony collapsed during construction. This incident resulted in a fine for the engineering company involved. Authorities have stated that the January accident is unrelated to the current balcony reinforcement project.