The partial collapse of the Carola Bridge disrupted major traffic artery in Dresden and left the city without hot water.
ADVERTISEMENTA bridge carrying a tram line partially collapsed in the German city of Dresden. The Carola Bridge is one of the four bridges crossing the Elbe River.
The emergency closure of the 100-metre-long bridge resulted in severe disruption of the city's traffic, including the tram system and boat traffic. The bridge is a major travel route between Dresden's Old Town and New Town, and is used by motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
'Lifeline'
"The bridge is a lifeline for the people, the economy and the culture of this city. It is the most important north-south connection. It is a federal highway and that is why it is important to restore this connection," said Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert.
The fire department was alerted to the collapse in the middle of the night. Hilbert as well as the Minister President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, expressed their relief that no one was injured.
The capital was also left without hot water as two large district heating pipes burst during the collapse, according to a fire department spokesperson.
Bridge was scheduled for renovation
According to spokesperson of Dresden's Road and Civil Engineering Office, Simone Pruefer, the bridge was frequently inspected. "What I can say is that the bridge has been constantly inspected and examined in accordance with the guidelines as required. We were all very surprised by this incident and are now devoting a great deal of attention to investigating the cause".
The part of the bridge that collapsed was scheduled to undergo renovation next year, while other parts only reopened in March after months of construction. The entire bridge was las renovated in 1996.
So far, the police are treating the indicent as an accident, and say there is no indiciation that a criminal offence was committed. According to city officials, corrosion caused by chloride may have been the cause of the collapse.