Supermarket roof collapses in Ratzeburg, Germany: multiple casualties possible

Supermarket roof collapses in Ratzeburg, Germany: There may be multiple victims Vladislav Kravtsov

In Ratzeburg, the roof of a supermarket collapsed/Collage 24 Kanal (photo Timo Jann)

A terrible incident occurred in the German city of Ratzeburg on July 30. The roof of a local supermarket collapsed.

People could have been trapped under the rubble. Rescuers are currently working at the scene.

What is known about the collapse of the roof of the supermarket in Ratzeburg

According to German police, part of the roof of the Netto store in Ratzeburg collapsed on July 30 at 17:06. The fire department was informed of a “mass incident” in the supermarket as a precautionary measure to call out many rescuers.

A fire truck stands in front of the collapsed roof of the Netto supermarket/Photo Lenthe Media

Law enforcement officials noted that twelve people were rescued with minor injuries, and ambulances are currently providing assistance.

A local police spokeswoman also told reporters that there are no signs yet that there are still people under the rubble of the supermarket. However, the building itself is under “acute threat of collapse.”

A fire station stands in a supermarket parking lot with several stretchers/Photo Lenthe Media

Eyewitnesses said that they heard a crack and then ran from the supermarket. According to Ratzeburg Fire Chief Christian Niemtz, this probably saved their lives.

Firefighters are on duty near the Netto supermarket/Photo NonstopNews

Firefighters are currently searching for victims at the scene of the accident using drones and a rotating ladder. These drones are equipped with a thermal imaging camera. The rescuers themselves cannot enter the market because it is at high risk of collapse.

View Netto supermarket from the inside/Photo by Timo Jann

By the way, earlier in Ludwigshafen, Germany, on July 29, an explosion occurred at the country's largest chemical plant, BASF. As a result, 18 people were injured. The fire itself, which arose as a result of the explosion, was extinguished.