Investigation Underway After Partial Collapse of Historic Bridge in Dresden, Germany

Authorities have launched an investigation into the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden, Germany, which plunged a section of the structure into the Elbe River early Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported, but concerns remain that more of the bridge could collapse in the coming hours, according to local officials.

The bridge, a key transportation route between Dresden's Old Town and New Town, has caused significant travel disruptions. The collapse has halted tram services, created traffic delays, and impacted pedestrians and cyclists. Boat traffic, including cargo and sightseeing vessels, has also been suspended.

The incident has affected Dresden’s heating system as two large district heating pipes were damaged, leaving parts of the city without hot water, according to fire department spokesman Michael Klahre.

Police are treating the collapse as accidental, with no signs of foul play. Initial speculation points to possible corrosion, as the bridge dates back to the communist era of East Germany. The collapsed section was due for renovation next year, and other parts of the bridge had only recently reopened following months of construction.

Emergency crews were alerted shortly after 3 a.m., just 18 minutes after the last tram crossed the bridge. An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse and assess the structural stability of the remaining sections.