Barge rams bridge in Mannheim: millions in damage and chaos!

Barge rams bridge in Mannheim: millions in damage and chaos!

In a notable incident in Mannheim, there was a collision between an inland waterway vessel and the Diffené Bridge, resulting in significant property damage. On Wednesday evening, the ship lost its wheelhouse, which got stuck on the bridge and was torn off. The good news: No one was injured, which is a stroke of luck in such a dramatic accident.

The crew of the barge consisted of five people whose ages ranged from their early 20s to their mid-50s. During the accident, two vehicles that were on the ship were pushed into the industrial port. These have since been salvaged, and the demolished wheelhouse was also fished out on Thursday.

First reactions and investigations

The city of Mannheim announced that the bridge is now being examined by structural engineers. This analysis is essential because only after it has been completed can a decision be made as to what happens next. In the meantime, the bridge remains closed to traffic for the time being to avoid possible risks.

The barge was on its way from the Altrheinhafen towards the industrial port when the serious collision occurred. The causes of the accident are still unclear; The police have therefore started to examine both human and technical errors. The economic damage to the ship is estimated at around 200,000 euros. However, the exact extent of the damage to the bridge has not yet been determined.

In addition to the police, emergency services from the fire department and the water police were also on site. Those responsible at the port authority and a civil engineer took a close look at the bridge to determine any damage. Shipping traffic was initially restricted, but it is expected that it can be reopened after careful review.

For detailed information and further developments, regularly updated reports are available, including on www.t-online.de, which shed light on the situation in detail.