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Who Were They?
The couple, both adults in their late 30s according to initial reports, did not appear to be aggressive or hostile.
In fact, they were cooperative when approached.
They identified themselves as long-term partners who had been struggling financially before ending up in the building.
Their names were not immediately released.
What mattered more to investigators was how they ended up there.
How It Began
According to early accounts, their situation did not start in the alcove.
It began elsewhere.
Like many facing financial hardship, they reportedly experienced a gradual decline:
Loss of stable housing
Temporary stays in unsafe or unstable accommodations
Increasing difficulty securing work
Rising costs of living
At some point, they found the abandoned building.
Initially, it may have been temporary shelter.
A place to stay for a few nights.
But as circumstances worsened, temporary became permanent
And the alcove became home.
Why the Alcove Worked
What made the discovery even more striking was how well-hidden the space had been.
The alcove was:
Set back from main corridors
Partially sealed by debris and collapsed material
Invisible from most entry points
Accessible only through a narrow passage
To someone casually walking through the building, it would have been easy to miss entirely.
Over time, the couple had enhanced the concealment, reinforcing the entry to reduce visibility.
In essence, they created a hidden micro-home inside a decaying structure.
Survival in an Abandoned Environment
Living in such conditions requires constant adaptation.
Investigators noted signs that the couple had developed systems for survival:
Water collection from leaks and condensation
Food storage from occasional scavenging or donations
Strict organization to maintain hygiene in limited space
Careful management of electricity using portable batteries
Despite the harsh environment, they had managed to sustain themselves.
But not without cost.