Breaking News: The Unbelievable Aquadom Catastrophe
Aquariums, known for their sturdiness, are typically reliable structures. Yet, last year, a colossal 16-meter-high aquarium situated in Berlin's heart, shocked the world when it shattered into pieces. The devastation still lingers, as not all the destruction has been restored. Meanwhile, Berlin plans to unveil an even more massive aquarium.
An unexpected deluge of approximately one million liters of water engulfed a Berlin hotel and its surroundings in December 2022. This occurred when the 16-meter-high giant aquarium splintered into countless fragments, resulting in the untimely death of thousands of aquatic species. Two individuals were lightly injured, and numerous stores within the building complex endured significant damage.
The disaster's consequence is still evident over a year later. Numerous stores within the building complex are still shut down and cordoned off. One December afternoon, specialists were spotted in the alleyway, collecting the heavy remnants, some weighing several tons. Fabian Hellbusch, the spokesperson for the building owner, announced that most stores will reopen by the following spring. Regrettably, the hotel remains closed.
"Envisioning a catastrophe such as an unexpected explosion of such a giant aquarium in a Berlin hotel's lobby would have required an exceptional kind of imagination just a year ago," said Hellbusch. "We are fortunate and grateful that, in hindsight, the situation turned out remarkably well, and we managed to restore the damage swiftly." The lingering memory of the Aquadom serves as a testament to the joy it brought to many for years.
Three Calamity Theories
Yet, a lingering bitter sentiment may linger for some, as the incident's cause remains unclear. Christian Bonten, an expert, and engineer presented three potential calamity hypotheses in October. According to Bonten, the aquarium fractured due to the failure of a seal adhesive, damage during reconstruction, or plastic desiccation. A combination of damage is also a possibility, but Bonten emphasizes that no concrete evidence supports any theory.
The Public Prosecutor's Office concluded the investigation in October. They investigated any possible accountable individuals or negligence concerns. However, their findings were inconclusive.
What remains is the colossal steel supports from the aquarium, which will continue to stand in the hotel lobby, and the question: can a new aquarium of this size withstand the test of time?
The Proponents of "Ocean Berlin" in Berlin-Lichtenberg are confident that it can. This aquarium, scheduled to open in early 2026, will house several tanks filled with more than ten million liters of water. A total of 3000 species have been selected to inhabit the aquarium's new home. The largest tank will reportedly hold seven and a half million liters - more than seven times the capacity of the former Aquadom.
Further Reading:
The Aquadom incident in Berlin raised concerns regarding the safety of larger aquariums while repairs continue to move forward. Three damage hypotheses have been proposed, but no definitive evidence has been presented to support any theory. The ongoing demolition and cleanup of the Aquadom and the development of "Ocean Berlin" remain at the forefront of local headlines.
