A gas explosion occurred in an apartment on James-von-Moltke-Strasse in Goerlitz, Germany, on Monday around 17.31. Residents heard a bang and then the building collapsed, leaving a huge hole in a row of turn-of-the-century tenement houses.
According to the findings of “Bild”, five people are currently missing. Two may be trapped under the rubble.
Explosion in a tenement house in Goerlitz. A rescue operation is underway
Debris from the collapsed building was scattered all over the street, even reaching the opposite sidewalk. When the disaster occurred, 29-year-old Phillip Skorka was working at his home two doors away.
— I felt a huge pressure surge and then the power went out. […] I saw a woman in the street, screaming and crying – he described in an interview with “Bild”.
The man also saw red stains on the pavement, most likely blood. The man hopes that he will soon be able to return home to his two cats.
Explosion near the border with Poland. Most likely, there was a gas explosion
The city's utility company has already cut off all power lines, and electricity and gas have been cut off. Mayor Octavian Ursu, 58, of the CDU, went to the scene to assess the situation. According to the official, a gas explosion most likely occurred. This version was also confirmed by the police.
Residents of three neighboring buildings were evacuated. They will be provided with temporary accommodation. The situation is to be assessed by a construction engineer.
The building contains holiday apartments and premises for rent. The police are currently investigating whether they were inhabited at the time of the accident. In addition to the fire brigade and rescue services, the Federal Office of Technical Assistance is also present on site. The area around the destroyed building is currently being secured. Only then, according to the police, will it be possible to start searching for potential victims. According to “Bild”, tracking dogs will also take part in the search.
