The ‘AquaDom’, the largest cylindrical aquarium in the world, explodes in Berlin: two are injured

The AquaDom of Berlin, the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium has burst this Friday for reasons that are still unknown, pouring into the building and onto the street one million liters of water and 1,500 tropical fish of more than 100 different species. Although the authorities do not confirm the reason for the breakage, the German newspaper Bild, reveals that it is a consequence of material fatigue.

Located inside the Radisson Collection hotel in Berlin, the explosion of the AquaDom It has generated a torrent of water, it has swept away hotel staff and guests, leaving two people slightly injured by cuts with crystals. The almost 400 people staying at the hotel have been evacuated and accommodated in other hotels.

A group of structural engineers are checking the stability of the building in which the cylindrical aquarium was located, 16 meters high and 11.5 meters in diameter. “He was very damaged. The ground floor is completely in ruins,” has confirmed the Berlin fire department.

The water from the building’s aquarium has almost completely leaked, both inside the building and onto Karl Liebknecht Street, and hundreds of fish have died.

High water pressure after bursting the aquarium dozens of objects were carried away inside the hotel that were scattered all over the street. Also, part of the facade of the hotel has come off.

The events occurred around 5:45 p.m. this Friday when a very loud noise was heard. “Single I heard a very loud noise and I saw that the great aquarium had broken. Then I looked outside and saw that there was a pile of furniture thrown on the street and I realized then that the aquarium had burst and things had been dragged out,” a witness said.

material fatigue

Although the authorities have not yet confirmed the reason for breaking this agreement, the German daily Bild, ensures that it is a consequence of material fatigue, despite the fact that the AguaDom reopened in the summer of 2020 after two and a half years of construction work renovation at a cost of 2.6 million euros. Among other measures, the silicone joints were renewed and the pool was thoroughly cleaned.

The complex of buildings called Dom-Aquarée houses, among others, the large aquarium sea ​​life and the AquaDom and is located near the Berlin Cathedral, Alexanderplatz square and Museum Island. The smaller water tanks and those that were located in the basement with 400 to 500 fish have not been affected.