The building housing Cologne's city archive collapsed on Tuesday, bringing down parts of neighboring structures along with it. It was unclear if anyone died in the incident.
Hundreds of police and fire personnel rushed to the scene in Cologne on Tuesday after the building housing the city's archive collapsed into the street. Click here for related article.
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The building fell on parked cars in the street out front. Some 70 meters (230 feet) of the street was covered with debris. Click here for related article.
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Just prior to the collapse, the building began creaking and groaning, giving those inside just enough time to evacuate. Click here for related article.
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It was unclear on Tuesday evening if anyone had died in the building's collapse or if there might be anyone trapped in the rubble. There were reports that a married couple was missing. Click here for related article.
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Police immediately began searching for possible injured. The city's police chief said on Tuesday afternoon that he was not aware of any injuries. Click here for related article.
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The archive housed municipal documents dating back to 922. Much of the material stored in the building is now likely destroyed. Click here for related article.
Foto: DPA
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The cause of the collapse is not yet known. Some speculated that work on a subway line currently under construction under the street out in front of the building might have played a role. But most of the heavy work was completed over a year ago. Click here for related article.
