Asbestos alarm after cooling tower fire: seven houses evacuated in Hamm!

Asbestos alarm after cooling tower fire: seven houses evacuated in Hamm!

A shocking asbestos rain has hit North Rhine-Westphalia! After the devastating fire of a cooling tower in Hamm on November 4, the consequences are more serious than initially assumed. The city of Hamm has released alarming news: Asbestos fragments were not only discovered in the immediate vicinity of the fire, but also in further distant areas. This has led to the evacuation of seven houses, which are now inaccessible to the residents.

The situation is serious! The lessons at a nearby school have only taken place online since the incident, and this will remain on Friday, November 8th. The city administration announces that the corridor, in which asbestos -containing particles have dropped, is much larger than previously thought. The affected residents are in great concern, while the RAG, the operator of the mine, is planning to inform the public about the previous results and the further procedure.

Evacuations and emergency accommodations: the dramatic consequences

The fire, which broke out on Monday afternoon, hurled dangerous dust and small asbestos particles into the air, which were distributed over adjacent residential areas. At the recommendation of the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV), measures were taken immediately to ensure the safety of the residents. A total of 24 people, including four children, had to be accommodated in hotels or friends, while cleaning up are in full swing.

The RAG has set up a service number so that affected residents can report possible damage. The cooling tower, which stands on the site of the former mine Heinrich Robert, is badly damaged. This area, which was in operation until the mining was closed in 2010, is now used as a cultural and event center. The situation remains tense and the residents are looking at the future.