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Explosion in Putgarten: Probably a technical defect
After an explosion, a fire broke out in Putgarten, which destroyed several houses. photo
© Stefan Sauer/dpa
A heavy explosion caused millions in damage in the north of the island of Rügen. A technical reason for the explosion is suspected – but the investigations could take even longer.
The search for the exact cause of the gas explosion in a holiday home on the island of Rügen will take a long time. After examining the scene of the fire, an expert has so far assumed a technical defect, as a police spokeswoman said today.
In order to prove this, objects were secured that now have to be analyzed at great expense. The site of the explosion was released again.
Big shock
The holiday home in Putgarten, which belongs to a man from Leipzig, exploded on Friday morning. Large pieces of debris flew several hundred meters and damaged at least 13 neighboring houses and several cars.
Then a fire broke out and also destroyed a neighboring house that was covered with reeds. Witnesses spoke of a large debris field that had not yet been cleared. Nobody got hurt.
According to Mayor Iris Möbius (CDU), the residents of the place have not yet processed the horror. “It will also take a long time,” Möbius told the German Press Agency. But there was a great wave of willingness to help across the region.
Investigations are ongoing
Police and public prosecutors continue to investigate suspected negligent arson. According to the police, there had recently been work on the gas pipe and gas meter in the holiday home that had exploded. Now it has to be examined in detail whether all the components were in good condition and whether they had been processed in accordance with the regulations.
Most of the residents who had to flee a neighboring apartment building on Friday were able to return to their apartments on Friday evening. The fire brigade was able to prevent her house from catching fire.
A couple who had to flee a second holiday home that burned down found shelter with relatives. The police estimate the total damage at more than one million euros.