Police in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, reported that a hotel building partially collapsed on Tuesday night, trapping at least eight people and killing one.
What we know so far
Rescue efforts continue at the incident site in Kröv, located on the Mosel River about 100 kilometres (60 miles) west of Frankfurt.Local residents reported the incident to authorities about 10:55 p.m. local time on Tuesday night.
“Several people were able to leave the building on their own and are being looked after by emergency services and counselors,” police said Wednesday morning.
Police said 14 people had been in the building when one story collapsed. Five were able to get out unhurt.
Authorities said they have been able to contact some of the trapped people, several of whom were seriously injured. The body of the person who died has not yet been recovered.
Pictures from the scene showed parts of a building that have been damaged with debris on the ground.
Police said in a statement that the rescue efforts are “very difficult,” as the building’s structure remains unstable. Some 250 emergency workers were on the scene.
Public broadcaster SWR said local fire brigade teams were initially not able to enter the building because of the risk that the building could cave fully.
Some 30 people in neighboring buildings were also evacuated given the risk of damage a complete collapse could inflict on its surroundings.
It is not yet clear what caused the building to collapse.
The Mosel region is popular summer tourist destination, with its picturesque vineyards and castles.
( Source: DW, AFP)
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