Commencement of the destruction process for Carola Bridge
Overnight, rescue teams and demolition vehicles have been working tirelessly on the partially collapsed Carolabridge in Dresden. The objective is to eliminate the problematic section, but not entirely just yet. The primary reason behind this urgency is the imminent Elbe flood, which is expected to occur soon.
As reported by Michael Klahre, the fire department spokesperson, approximately 50 emergency personnel are working on the site. A professional company is employing excavators, air hammers, and demolition vehicles to remove a part of bridge section C that collapsed into the Elbe for an astonishing 100 meters on Wednesday morning.
The area of concern is the partially hanging section, which must be dismantled prior to the flood's arrival. Previous laser measurements revealed that the bridge section's remaining debris was gradually sinking. The fire department aims to prevent further collapse. Regarding future plans for the bridge, Klahre explained that they will reevaluate the situation in the morning of Friday, along with determining future course of action.
In the evening, the Technical Relief Agency (THW) employed small explosions to separate tram tracks and district heating pipes on the New Town side of the bridge. As a precaution, a 100-meter safety zone was established around the bridgehead on that side of the Elbe. The Ministry of Finance and some State Chancellery departments were evacuated due to the bombings. Since flooding on the Elbe is expected to begin on Sunday, increasing the danger, time is critical for the rescue teams.
The 400-meter long bridge has three parallel sections – sections A, B, and C. The tram was serviced by section C, which also included a pedestrian and cycle path. Sections A and B provided motor vehicle traffic. The bridge sections are connected by transverse beams.
Based on the fire department's analysis, the overall stability of Dresden's city center Elbe bridge is at risk. Section B has also sustained damage "due to the impact of the collapse and the shift in the superstructure," according to the head of the Streets and Roads Department, Simone Prüfer, on Thursday. Subsidence is being recorded and measured in these areas. Railings have shifted by up to 20 centimeters. At present, nothing can be ascertained regarding section A. Sections A and B had recently undergone extensive renovations, while section C's renovation was scheduled for the following year.
The European Union has expressed concern over the safety of the Elbe bridge in Dresden, given the ongoing rescue operations and the impending flood. In light of this, the EU has offered to provide additional resources and expertise to help in the swift and safe dismantling of the affected bridge section.
Germany has sought assistance from the European Union in managing the Elbe flood and ensuring the safety of the partially collapsed Carolabridge in Dresden, given its membership in the EU and the shared responsibility in such crisis situations.
