In Dresden, part of the Carolabrücke bridge over the Elbe river, which is used for pedestrians, cyclists and trams, collapsed early this morning. The accident caused no injuries but caused complications during the morning rush hour. The server said it German wave.
For now, the police assume that it was an accident, and there is no indication of someone else’s culpability, a police spokesman said. Firefighters fear that other parts of the bridge, which is heavily damaged, could also fall.
The Carolabrücke Bridge is one of the key traffic arteries in the city. Dresden firefighters said the collapsed part of the bridge was 100 meters long. Two pipes for the distribution of hot water were also damaged, which caused a blackout of district heating throughout the city.
“Heat supplies are not working at the moment,” the firemen confirmed. Water from the pipe flooded part of the waterfront street Terrassenufer. The heat outage could last all day, but the operator is working intensively to restore it.
According to the information so far, there have been no injuries. The Dresden transport company stated that no tram was running across the bridge at the time of the collapse. The last one passed 18 minutes before the collapse. Tram lines 3 and 7 usually pass the bridge every day, including night hours.
The collapse, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., affected the southern half of the bridge. A meter-long crack has appeared on the bridgehead near the old city of Dresden, according to the fire department. The extent of the damage is determined using drones.
The police do not rule out someone else’s fault, but so far they assume that it was not an intentional act. The police arrived at the scene shortly after the collapse. Firefighters are warning that other parts of the bridge could fall and have urged residents to stay away from the bridge. “Further collapse is possible,” the fire department spokesman said, adding that movement near the bridge could be deadly.
The cause of the bridge collapse remains unclear. The area around the bridge was closed and firefighters urged the public not to block the area and prevent rescuers from working. Traffic is being diverted, including tram lines and cars. Shipping on the Elbe was temporarily stopped.
Topics: Germany, Dresden, bridges in general
What caused the partial collapse of Dresden’s Carola Bridge into the Elbe River?
Table of Contents
Dresden’s Carolabrücke Bridge Partially Collapses into Elbe River
Early this morning, a section of the Carolabrücke bridge in Dresden, Germany, which serves pedestrians, cyclists, and trams, suddenly collapsed into the Elbe River. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant disruptions during the morning rush hour [[1]].
The bridge’s collapse has been deemed an accident by the police, with no indications of foul play or culpability by others [[1]]. However, firefighters are concerned that other damaged parts of the bridge may also collapse, posing a significant threat to public safety.
The Carolabrücke Bridge is a vital transportation artery in Dresden, playing a crucial role in the city’s infrastructure. The collapsed section of the bridge measures approximately 100 meters in length, and two hot water pipes were also damaged in the incident, resulting in a citywide blackout of district heating [[2]].
As a result, heat supplies have been disrupted, with firefighters confirming that “heat supplies are not working at the moment” [[1]]. The pipe rupture also caused flooding on the waterfront street Terrassenufer. While authorities are working to restore heat supplies, the outage is expected to last throughout the day, causing inconvenience to residents and businesses.
The cleanup efforts are underway, with authorities working to remove the remaining bridge debris and assess the structural integrity of the remaining sections [[3]]. The city is also exploring alternative transportation options, including the potential use of the Augustusbrücke, to mitigate the impact of the bridge’s collapse on commuters.
The collapse of the Carolabrücke Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular infrastructure maintenance and inspection to prevent such incidents. As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, authorities will need to work closely with the public to ensure their safety and minimize disruptions to daily life.
References:
– What are the potential causes being investigated for the partial collapse of the Carolabrücke bridge in Dresden?
Dresden’s Carolabrücke Bridge Partially Collapses: Travel Chaos and Investigation Ensue
Early morning on September 11, 2024, a section of the Carolabrücke bridge in Dresden, Germany, collapsed into the Elbe River, causing travel chaos and disrupting public transport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns about the safety of the bridge and the potential causes of the collapse.
The Incident
The collapse occurred around 3:00 a.m., affecting the southern half of the bridge, which is a key traffic artery in the city
