Germany Carola Bridge: Work is progressing well

The demolition and clearance work following the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden is progressing well. "We are really working flat out against the clock," said fire department spokesman Michael Klahre in the morning. The work continued uninterrupted during the night. "We are making good progress."

The aim is still to have the clearing work completed by Sunday. "Because the water level continues to rise, and if this area here is flooded, then we won't be able to work here," explained Klahre, referring to the expected flooding of the Elbe.

Part of the Carola Bridge, which spans the Elbe near Dresden's old town, collapsed on Wednesday night. No one was injured. Affected by the collapse was the so-called bridge C, on which the streetcar ran as well as a footpath and cycle path.

Car traffic ran over the neighboring bridges A and B, which were still standing. According to Klahre, test drillings are currently being prepared there - parallel to the demolition work on bridge C - in order to determine how these parts behave. This also involves investigating the cause of the collapse. Scaffolding will probably be erected for this purpose.

"Buffalo" armored recovery vehicle arrives

On Friday evening, two "Büffel" armored recovery vehicles from the German army arrived at the scene of the accident to provide support. Klahre said he was grateful for this. "We're driving on sight here." If the water level rises, it may be necessary to withdraw equipment - the ground is already boggy due to the rain and equipment could get stuck. "That's why the support of the Bundeswehr is so incredibly important."

"The German Armed Forces have been requested to assist with the recovery and demolition work of the civilian forces," said Lieutenant Colonel Robert Habermann, spokesman for the German Armed Forces in Saxony. "We immediately rushed to the scene here with around 30 soldiers from locations in central Germany."

Bundeswehr provides support in the event of civilian technology failure

According to Habermann, the task is to be on site immediately in the event of a breakdown in civilian demolition technology and to prevent personal injury. For example, one of the excavators could lurch, fall over or slide into the footing due to the weather and ground conditions. "We are really trying everything humanly possible to prepare for all scenarios that we could encounter here," said Klahre.

According to the Bundeswehr, the 1,500 hp "Büffel" can lift 30 tons with its crane system. The chassis corresponds to that of a Leopard 2 main battle tank and the tank is able to clear obstacles out of the way and remove soil. Water crossings are also possible.

Floods expected on the Elbe

According to the State Flood Center, alert level 1 is expected to be reached on the Elbe at the Schöna gauge on Saturday evening, and is expected for Dresden early Sunday morning. "The water levels will continue to rise very quickly into the alert level 3 range," say the experts. The highest water levels at the Elbe gauges in Saxony are currently expected from Wednesday and Thursday next week.