Another section of the Carola Bridge in Dresden collapsed

Another section of the Carola Bridge in Dresden has collapsed during demolition work. It is the bridge section with streetcar tracks that had already partially collapsed into the Elbe on Wednesday night, according to a police spokesperson in the morning. Another bridge with lanes for cars was still standing.

On Thursday afternoon, it was announced that the damaged section of the Carola Bridge in Dresden was to be completely demolished. Preparatory measures for a controlled demolition were underway, said fire department spokesman Michael Klahre. The so-called Bridge C, a 100-metre-long section of which collapsed into the Elbe on Wednesday night, was in acute danger of collapsing and could not be maintained.

Laser measurements had shown that the remains of Bridge C were slowly sinking, said Klahre. Time is running out for the emergency services: The Elbe is predicted to flood from Sunday, which would significantly exacerbate the danger once again, according to the Dresden fire department.

Heavy rainfall in the Czech Republic

Heavy rainfall expected in the Czech Republic is responsible for the possible flooding. According to the National Flood Centre, 200 liters of precipitation per square meter are expected to fall within 72 hours in the Czech Republic and southern Poland, including the Jizera Mountains and the Giant Mountains, by Monday. In the upper mountain regions, as much as 350 liters are possible. Continuous rain is also expected in eastern Saxony. In addition to the Elbe, flood warnings are also to be issued for the Lusatian Neisse and the Spree.

The bridge, which is around 400 meters long, consisted of a total of three bridges connected by so-called crossbars. A large section of bridge span C collapsed on Wednesday night.