A residential building collapsed in the eastern German city of Görlitz late Monday night, following a suspected gas explosion, leaving three people missing. Emergency services, including the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), are conducting a painstaking search of the rubble.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams are carefully clearing debris by hand and with the aid of an excavator, after initial attempts using search dogs proved unsuccessful. The operation is being carried out with extreme caution to avoid further collapse or injury to those trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, a historic Wilhelminian-style structure, contained both rental apartments and holiday lets. Neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precaution, and structural engineers are assessing the damage to surrounding buildings.
Community Impact
The incident has shocked the local community in Görlitz, a city known for its well-preserved architecture. Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area while rescue operations continue. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with initial reports pointing to a gas leak.
As the search enters its second day, families of the missing await news. Emergency services have not ruled out the possibility of further casualties.
