A serious workplace accident occurred Thursday afternoon at the construction site for the expansion of the Werner-von-Siemens High School on Laubstiege. Around noon, concrete sections collapsed in the area of a stairwell within the building’s shell. The cause is currently unknown.
According to the latest reports, two people were killed in the accident. Two others were injured. Emergency responders were on the scene in large numbers to treat those affected and take the necessary measures. Three ambulances, an emergency physician, and approximately 35 firefighters from both units of the Gronau Fire Department were on the scene. The police, the criminal investigation department, and two technical advisors from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief were also present. A rescue helicopter landed at the scene as well, but was not needed for transport.
The recovery of the two victims is ongoing.
The criminal investigation division has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Laubstiege was closed off for emergency operations. The district administrator was informed of the incident.
At the time of the accident, a total of 15 people were working at the construction site. Since it is currently fall break, there were no students or teachers on site. The principals of the high school and the comprehensive school were informed about the accident. Emergency counselors are providing support to the affected construction site employees on site.
Mayor Jörg von Borczyskowski visited the site to assess the situation. The city of Gronau is in close contact with the emergency services and authorities involved.
As things stand, school operations are expected to resume after the fall break. Final approval rests with the criminal investigation department.
Link to the City of Gronau's press release