Tragedy struck a village in western Germany's Mosel wine-growing region as a hotel collapsed, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving others trapped. The incident occurred in Kröv, where 14 people were present in the building at the time of the collapse.
According to a fire department spokesperson, a man and a woman have tragically lost their lives, while three individuals remain trapped inside the collapsed structure. Despite the partial integrity of the building, which is moving at a rate of 4 millimeters per hour, rescue efforts are facing significant challenges.
Authorities have established communication with the trapped individuals via phone, enabling them to determine their location within the rubble and assess their condition. To access the trapped individuals, a core drill is being utilized from above due to the collapsed ceilings of the hotel.
Over 250 emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, police, and technical relief workers, are actively engaged in the rescue operation. Specialized teams such as rescue dog units and drone units have been deployed to support the efforts on the ground.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown, as confirmed by Trier Police. The building in question consists of a lower part dating back to the 17th century, with two upper floors added in 1980. Notably, construction work was ongoing at the site until the day before the tragic incident.
As a precautionary measure, three neighboring houses have been evacuated due to the unstable conditions resulting from the hotel collapse. The community is rallying together to support the ongoing rescue operations and provide assistance to those affected by this devastating event.