BERLIN (AP) — Officials are investigating why part of a bridge in eastern Germany collapsed early Wednesday, disrupting a major traffic artery in Dresden and cutting off the city’s heating system.
No one was injured when part of the Carola Bridge fell into the Elbe, the Dresden fire department reported on its website. Emergency services were alerted to the collapse shortly after 3 a.m.
Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists who use the bridge to travel between the old and new city were told to avoid the area. Shipping traffic has also been halted, affecting cargo ships and tourist boats. A tram runs over the collapsed section of the bridge and pipes that form part of the city’s heating system were also damaged.
Dresden is located approximately 160 kilometers south of Berlin.
