Potential corrosion could be responsible for the partial breakdown of Dresden's Carola Bridge.
Kalbe pointed out that a chlorine withdrawal had taken place before, but there could have been a substantial chlorine leak due to the wreckage of a public transport mast at the collapse site. These are just assumptions that require confirmation, Kalbe mentioned.
For years, the city has been grappling with the bridge's hazardous situation, as mentioned by Kalbe. Two out of the three bridge segments underwent renovations recently. Regrettably, the section that crumbled, serving the tram, was due for repairs in 2025. The deterioration to such an extent was not anticipated, Kalbe added.
The unfortunate incident unfolded early Wednesday morn, when the bridge was deserted. The western part slipped into the Elbe for roughly a hundred meters. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. According to the fire department, however, the chances of additional parts of the bridge collapsing remain high. On Wednesday morning, Kalbe also acknowledged this threat.
The city's authorities should investigate the possibility of a chlorine leak contributing to the bridge's collapse, given Kalbe's mention of a chlorine withdrawal and a public transport mast wreckage. It's crucial for the city to prioritize the safety of its infrastructure, considering the City's history of dealing with the bridge's hazardous situation.
