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Excavator Ruptures Gas Main in Berlin-Lichtenberg

Emergency crews secured the site, evacuated a nearby sports hall, halted tram M5 and closed Konrad‑Wolf‑Straße as the regional gas operator works to repair the pipeline.

Overview

  • An excavator working at a residential construction site on Konrad‑Wolf‑Straße damaged a buried gas pipe, causing a massive leak that emergency services called in on Tuesday.
  • The Berliner Feuerwehr led the response with 52 personnel who established a wide safety perimeter and evacuated a sports hall next to the Sportforum; no injuries were reported.
  • Transport was disrupted when Konrad‑Wolf‑Straße was closed between Berkenbrücker Steig and Sandinostraße and tram M5 service between Landsberger Allee and Alt‑Hohenschönhausen was suspended.
  • Netzgesellschaft Berlin‑Brandenburg (NBB) was on site to stop and repair the damaged line, and local crews reported the leak was brought under control after several hours of work.
  • The incident forced safety measures because leaking gas can ignite or explode, and investigators and city crews will monitor the construction site and nearby housing projects for follow‑up safety checks.