In the eastern German city of Dresden, part of the Carola Bridge collapsed into the Elbe on Wednesday night. The collapse affected the pedestrian and cycle path, but also the tram tracks, a spokesman for the situation centre said in the morning. The fire department speaks of an “acute danger of collapse”.
According to the Dresden fire department, it is 100 meters long. There is also a strong release of hot water from the bridgehead on the side of the Old Town. The Carola Bridge was built in the 1960s by the communist GDR regime.
The Dresden transport company said that there was no tram on the bridge. As a result, passengers and vehicles were not injured. Lines 3 and 7 run every hour on weekdays, also at night.
Fire brigade warns: “Acute risk of collapse”
The fire department currently assumes that there is an acute risk of collapse. “We expect that more parts of the bridge could collapse,” said a spokesperson on site on Wednesday morning. He called on people to stay away from the bridge if possible. There is a risk to life on and around the bridge, it is said. A drone squadron is currently being deployed to map the extent of the damage.
The southern half of the bridge, which spans Terrassenufer Street and part of the Elbe, is affected. According to the fire department, a hole of about one meter long has formed at the bridgehead on the old city side. It is still unclear how parts of the bridge became loose around 03:00.
The district heating failed throughout the city
In addition, district heating pipes are damaged. “District heating is currently switched off throughout the city,” the fire department said. Due to the water flowing from the pipe, parts of the terrace bench are completely submerged.
The Carola Bridge is one of the most important traffic bridges in Dresden. The area was largely cordoned off. “We ask the public to avoid the area and not to hinder the emergency services,” said a spokesman for the fire department.
Experts are investigating the situation
“The experts from the individual fields, the city council and all partners involved are currently meeting to discuss how to proceed,” the fire brigade said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
