Emergency responders approached the scene with extreme caution due to the risk of ongoing gas leaks. Initial reports suggested that up to five individuals might be trapped beneath the debris, but police later clarified that the number of missing persons is three. After initial searches using detection dogs proved unsuccessful, rescuers began clearing the mountain of rubble with excavators and by hand around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
A resident who feared his wife and cousin were among the missing told investigators that the group had arrived at the rented house that day for a vacation. While shopping at a nearby supermarket, he heard a loud explosion. Upon returning to the property, he found the building had reduced to a large pile of rubble. Police spokesperson Anja Leuschner confirmed that the building was utilized for short-term rental and holiday accommodation.
Emergency Response and Structural Assessment
Authorities have evacuated neighboring houses as a precautionary measure. Structural engineers have been dispatched to the site to assess the damage and determine the stability of surrounding buildings. The collapse has disrupted the area, requiring a sustained presence from emergency services to manage the hazardous environment and continue the search for the missing individuals.
Görlitz is known for its well-preserved historic old town, which remains undamaged by the incident. The district is a popular location for international film productions, though the collapse has temporarily shifted focus to the emergency response efforts in the affected residential area.
No official timeline has been provided for when the search operation might conclude. Authorities are prioritizing the safety of rescue workers while navigating the unstable debris field. The cause of the gas leak remains under investigation, with no immediate update on the condition of the missing individuals.
