Dresden's Carolabrücke Collapse: Corrosion Confirmed as Key Cause

Initial investigations reveal severe corrosion in the Carolabrücke's spanglieder, leading to its partial collapse in September.

The collapse of the Carolabrücke in Dresden was primarily caused by severe corrosion of over 80% of its spanglieder, as confirmed by experts.
The bridge, a significant traffic artery built during the DDR era, had known structural deficiencies which contributed to its failure.
The collapse occurred on September 11, 2024, with no injuries reported, but caused significant disruption to traffic and city infrastructure.
Efforts to dismantle the remaining unstable sections are ongoing, with full removal expected by the end of the year, pending water levels in the Elbe.
The incident has raised concerns about similar structures across Germany, prompting nationwide inspections and potential immediate safety measures.