Hotel on the Moselle collapsed
Parts of a hotel in Kröv on the Mosel have collapsed. Up to nine people may be trapped under the rubble, according to police. Their rescue is proving complex, with fears that more parts of the building could collapse.
In Kröv on the Mosel in Rhineland-Palatinate, part of a hotel has collapsed. As of now, up to nine people may be trapped under the rubble, with contact established with some, police reported early in the morning. Rescue efforts are underway to save those trapped. "Several people have been able to leave the building independently and are being cared for by emergency services and chaplains," they added. The fire department initially declined to comment. Earlier, SWR reported on the incident in the district of Bernkastel-Wittlich.
Images from the scene show parts of the multi-story timber-framed building collapsed, with concrete rubble on the ground. Rescue services arrived with multiple vehicles. According to SWR, a search and rescue dog unit is also on site.
The fire department could not initially enter the building due to the risk of further collapse. The Technical Relief Agency has set up monitoring points to observe any movement in the building and determine if it can be safely entered. Due to fears that more parts of the hotel could collapse and damage adjacent buildings, neighboring houses are being evacuated.
The cause of the partial collapse of the building is still unknown, with neither police nor fire department providing any information. Residents reportedly called the emergency services late in the evening. An eyewitness told SWR that the floor beneath him had suddenly given way while he was in the toilet.
The unfortunate incident has caused significant distress for the local community. The rescue operation is progressing slowly due to the unpredictable nature of the building's condition.
