A partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden, Germany, has triggered an investigation, with local authorities working to determine the cause. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, September 11, 2024, and though no injuries were reported, it has caused widespread disruption across the city.
The bridge, a critical transportation link spanning the Elbe River, fell just 18 minutes after the last tram crossed. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 3am, and officials quickly closed the bridge to prevent further damage. The collapse has led to significant travel delays, impacting motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and the city’s tram system, which uses the bridge to connect Dresden’s Old Town and New Town.
In addition to transportation chaos, the incident also affected Dresden’s heating system. Two large district heating pipes were damaged, leaving much of the city without hot water. Fire department spokesman Michael Klahre confirmed that repairs would be required to restore the heating supply.
Authorities suspect that chlorine corrosion, possibly dating back to East Germany's communist era, could have played a role in the collapse. Plans to renovate the section of the bridge that fell were already in place for next year, with other parts of the structure having recently reopened after months of construction.
Boat traffic on the Elbe, including cargo and sightseeing vessels, has also been halted as a precaution.
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