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Berlin Evacuates Five-Storey Building Over Collapse Risk as THW Takes Over

Engineers are assessing the displaced roof following a full street closure.

Overview

  • Emergency services cleared the five-storey residential and commercial block on Reinhardtstraße near Friedrichstraße after the roof shifted forward and the façade bulged toward the street.
  • The Technisches Hilfswerk has assumed control of stabilization, deploying specialist equipment and sensors to monitor movement, with work expected to run into the night.
  • Authorities say no rescues were needed during the evacuation; 13 residents are being housed by the district after initial shelter on a BVG bus.
  • The corridor from Friedrichstraße to Albrechtstraße is closed to traffic and pedestrians, and nearby shops cannot be entered during the operation.
  • Historical images and witnesses indicate roof displacement has been visible for years, and co-owners recently hired a structural engineer to determine causes.