- Looming catastrophe looms nearby: A bridge succumbs in Dresden.
The well-known Carol Bridge in Dresden serves as a significant route, cutting through the city center by spanning the Elbe. Surprisingly, in the middle of the night, portions of this bridge succumbed, revealing the city's narrow escape from a potential calamity. Countless cars, trams, cyclists, and walkers regularly utilize this bridge, being one of the four bridges crossing the Elbe in the city. Fortunately, so far, no incidents of injuries or fatalities have been reported. The police are handling the event as an accident, without any indication of suspicious activities.
The Dresden Transport Authority confirmed that no trams were utilizing the bridge when the incident occurred, ensuring the safety of passengers and vehicles. Trams 3 and 7 typically traverse the bridge, even in the wee hours.
Complete failure of district heating
The incident resulted in damage to the pedestrian pathway, the cycle route, and the tram tracks, as per the Dresden Fire Department's report. A 100-meter stretch encountered damage, leading to a 1-meter wide fissure at the bridge's old town end. As a consequence, the entire city's district heating system failed, with parts of the riverside terrace submerged due to flooding.
Imminent danger of further collapse
The exact reason for the Carol Bridge's partial collapse around 3:00 AM remains unclear. However, the fire department considers it an imminent collapse risk. "We anticipate additional parts of the bridge to collapse," a fire department spokesperson warned on Wednesday morning, urging people to stay away from the bridge. "There is a threat to life on and near the bridge." A drone squad is currently assessing the situation to determine the extent of the damage. No casualties were reported when part of the bridge gave way in the predawn hours.
Mayhem anticipated during rush hour
The area was tranquil early in the morning, but significant disruptions are anticipated during peak hours, with trams and vehicles being rerouted. Consequently, the federal waterway and the Elbe cycling path, along with the riverside terrace, have been closed as per the police update. "At present, experts from various fields, the city administration, and all involved parties are meeting to discuss future actions," the fire department reported.
Upcoming renovation plans for the bridge
The collapsed section of the Carol Bridge was set for renovation the following year. Other portions of the bridge reopened to traffic in March 2024, following an extensive renovation. The city of Dresden's website indicates that a traffic trial was also scheduled to run on the bridge until the end of the year, aiming to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians. The trial and the project have been topics of intense debates.
The emergency services were put on high alert due to the imminent danger of further collapse of the Carol Bridge. The city's residents and visitors were advised to avoid the area until further notice due to the threat to life.
