Dresden – During demolition work, another part of the Carola Bridge in Dresden collapsed on Friday night.
This is the section of the bridge near the bank that had already collapsed into the Elbe on Wednesday night, according to a spokesman for the police announced in the morning. Tram tracks and a cycle and pedestrian path run over the so-called bridge section. It collapsed over a length of about 100 meters. Two other bridge sections (A and B), including lanes for cars, are still standing.
Small explosive charges attached to bridge
Since Thursday evening, small explosive charges have been attached to the remains of bridge section C. Explosions could be heard every hour. At 2:50 a.m., a large part of the former tram route collapsed into the Elbe in a controlled manner.
Previously, the Fire department already communicated, that the remains of bridge section C are in acute danger of collapse and cannot be maintainedTherefore, a complete and controlled demolition is necessary. Laser measurements had shown that the remains of bridge section C were slowly sinking, said fire department spokesman Michael Klahre.
Concern about Elbe flooding in Dresden
Time is running out for the emergency services! Flooding is forecast for the Elbe from Sunday, which, according to the fire service, increases the danger to Dresden would be significantly aggravated again.
The possible flooding is due to heavy rainfall expected in the Czech Republic. According to the State Flood Center, 200 litres of rainfall per square metre is expected to fall in the Czech Republic and southern Poland, including the Jizera and Giant Mountains, within 72 hours by Monday. Up to 350 litres is possible in the upper mountain areas.
“Carola Bridge” in DresdenHere the first collapse is filmed by chance
Continuous rain is also expected in eastern Saxony. In addition to the Elbe, flood warnings are to be issued for the Lusatian Neisse and the Spree.
The approximately 400-meter-long Carola Bridge consisted of a total of three bridge sections, which were connected to each other by so-called crossbars.