Schornstein blast in Eisenberg: A spectacle for 1,000 spectators!

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, a 60 meter high chimney in Eisenberg (Saale-Holzland-Kreis) was demolished by a controlled explosion. This measure fell as part of construction work for a new administrative center of the district, whose total construction costs amount to around 30 million euros. Claudia Bioly, spokeswoman for the district office, confirmed that the explosion was on schedule and the chimney fell over as intended, while at least 1,000 spectators pursued the event from a safe distance. The explosion was organized by experts who used between eight and ten kilograms of explosives, spread over 40 boreholes.

As reported by the city of Eisenberg, an order was issued to carry out the explosion that determined extensive safety precautions and blocking measures. Already in the morning, the affected plots in the evacuation area, including Mönchsgasse and Saasa 2 and 2a, had to be cleared until 1:00 p.m. The area of evacuation included various zones in which a stay during the explosive period was prohibited. Residents were asked to close windows and switch off air conditioning systems. Pet owners should make sure that pets were not near the chimney.

security measures and spectator places

Furthermore, the orders concerned a security area in which no stay for residents and traders were allowed from 1:00 p.m. This also included balcony and terrace areas as well as garages and gazebos. Vehicles that were located in the barrier area had to be removed because incorrectly parked cars were towed. Spectators had the opportunity to observe the explosion at various places, for example from Jenaer Straße opposite the Rewe market and north of the evacuation area.

The general decision to regulate the blast came into force on the following day of publication, whereby an objection could be lodged within one month. The end of the explosion and the cancellation of the blocking measures were announced by the operations management to ensure that all security precautions were observed.