At Least Two Dead in Tragic Hotel Collapse in Germany

In the town of Kröv, Germany, a hotel building partially collapsed late Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and trapping several others under the debris. The rescue operation, involving over 200 emergency personnel, is currently underway as efforts continue to free those still trapped.

At the time of the collapse, 14 people were inside the hotel, located near the scenic banks of the River Moselle. According to local police and German broadcaster SWR, a two-year-old child, a man, and two women have been rescued so far.

The incident occurred around 23:00 local time (21:00 GMT) when the hotel’s roof suddenly gave way, causing the top floor to crash onto the lower level and shatter windows. Five individuals managed to escape unharmed immediately after the collapse, but nine others remained trapped.

During a news conference on Wednesday, fire inspector Jörg Teusch confirmed that a man and a woman lost their lives during the night due to the collapse. The extensive rescue effort involves a coordinated response from firefighters, police, rescue dog teams, and medical personnel.

The historic building, which dates back to the 1600s, underwent significant renovations in the 1980s, including the addition of an extra floor to create the two-storey hotel as it stood. The Moselle valley, where the hotel is located, is renowned for its picturesque old towns and vineyards, making it a popular tourist destination.

In response to the ongoing risk of further collapse, authorities have advised nearby residents to evacuate the area as a precautionary measure. The situation remains fluid, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected.