Severe thunderstorms across southern Germany triggered numerous fire department and police call-outs on Thursday evening. In Karlsruhe, a 60-year-old cyclist was killed by a falling tree, a police spokesperson said on Friday. Several other people were injured in the city as well. Most call-outs involved flooded streets, flooded basements and fallen trees.
Police in Karlsruhe recorded more than 160 weather-related emergency call-outs, according to the police spokesperson. The storm brought down numerous trees and blew branches and other objects onto roads. Several streets were temporarily impassable. Based on current findings, three people suffered minor injuries after being struck by branches or flying debris.
Overhead power lines were also torn down in places by falling branches. A lightning strike additionally caused a roof truss fire. By Friday morning, the situation had calmed down, according to police. Fire department clean-up work was in some cases still ongoing.
In the Rems-Murr-Kreis in Baden-Württemberg, emergency crews responded to 37 weather-related call-outs between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., according to police. Most cases involved fallen trees and flooded roads. Among other incidents, trees fell onto two residential buildings, causing an estimated €100,000 in damage. Power outages were reported in some areas.
In Saarbrücken in Saarland, there were more than 50 weather-related call-outs, according to the city administration. These were mainly smaller incidents caused by heavy rainfall and gusty winds. No injuries were reported.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
