Last night, a bridge section over the Elbe collapsed in the centre of Dresden. Shipping traffic to and from the Czech Republic has been halted until further notice. Passenger shipping has also been affected.
An approximately 100-meter long section of the Carola Bridge broke through between two pillars early this morning and is now blocking the channel. It is the section over which the tram runs. The parallel section for cars, bicycles and pedestrians is still standing. However, the local fire brigade has closed the entire bridge. Another section of the bridge is said to be sagging. There were no casualties. However, parts of Dresden are now without electricity and the entire city without district heating. The bridge is not only a central traffic artery of the city, but all kinds of supply lines also run via this bridge.
Police and firefighters have cordoned off large parts of the city and the Elbe around the Carola Bridge. The cause is not yet known.
