couldn't

[Navi]

Are these sentences correct:

1-Last year this building could not collapse. Now, after the fire and all that it has been through, it might.
Meaning: Last year, it was impossible that this building might collapse....

2-Yesterday, this door could not be opened. So we went in through the window.
Meaning: Yesterday, we could not open this door...

It seems to me that "1" is incorrect but "2" is correct.

Gratefully,
Navi.

[Luschen]

I agree with you. I would rewrite the first sentence as:

"Last year this building could not have collapsed. Now, after the fire and all that is has been through, it might."