A huge aquarium containing 1 million liters of water has crashed into the lobby of Berlin’s Radisson Blu Hotel, flooding the hotel and nearby streets.
The Aqua Dome, home to 1,500 tropical fish, is 14 meters high and has been described as the world’s largest free-standing cylindrical aquarium.
A spokesman for the Berlin fire brigade said the vast majority of the fish died, mainly because the cold weather made their rescue difficult. The aquarium contained more than 100 different species.
A division official told German media that “a few dozen” fish were found alive in the water collection points and that they will be moved to other ponds.
Two people were injured by shattering glass and police said there was “unbelievable” damage from the huge explosion at the dock.
The video showed an empty tank, water flowing down the corridor, and debris strewn everywhere.
The hotel guests were evacuated after the incident at 05:50 (04:50 GMT).
The blast left a huge pile of debris outside a hotel opposite what used to be the front doors, which are now overhanging the street from the force of the blast.
Paul Maletzky was in his room on the fourth floor with his girlfriend.
image copyright EVN / Central District Office
He described how he was awakened by the loud banging and shaking of the building. When he looked down the corridor, he saw water running over it. The police then escorted them and other guests out of the hotel.
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffe went to the hotel to inspect the damage and described the huge glass tank explosion as a tsunami.
She was relieved that the incident had occurred early in the morning, saying that after an hour or so, the hotel lobby and street outside would be crowded with guests and passers-by, many of them children.
The aquarium was updated two years ago. There is a clear glass elevator built inside for visitors. Some hotel rooms overlook the huge aquarium.
Berlin firefighters said more than 100 firefighters were present and it was unclear what caused the explosion.
image copyright Alamy
Firefighters said they used rescue dogs to search the area inside the hotel for anyone who might have been injured, and no one was found.
Police said “huge amounts” of water were pouring into nearby streets and people in the area should drive carefully.
A police source told local media there was no evidence the blast was the result of a targeted attack.
Berlin’s public transport authority said the Karl Liebknecht boulevard outside the hotel had been closed due to the “huge amount of water on the street”. The tram service in the area has also been suspended.
The huge aquarium contained more than 100 different species of fish.
On Friday, its website said it was temporarily closed and asked visitors to reschedule their tickets.
The Aquadome was opened in December 2003 and entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cylindrical aquarium in the world.
Reports at the time of its construction said it cost an estimated €12.8 million (£11.2 million).
