In Coesfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, a street has sunk about 80 meters into an adjacent quartz quarry. Police and fire department blocked the area in time, preventing any injuries. The exact cause of the slope failure remains unclear.
In the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Coesfeld, a county road collapsed on Friday evening near a quarry works. The slope slipped, causing earth movements that led the street to break away over about 80 meters into the adjacent quartz quarry, as reported by the Münsterland district.
Some residents had noticed the road sinking beforehand and called emergency services. Police and fire department cordoned off the area in time before the collapse occurred. No one was injured.
The edge of the collapse was secured with an additional fence. The district is now examining the load-bearing capacity of the area together with the mining authority and assessing what further safety measures are required. A district spokesperson noted that there may have been slope work beforehand, but the exact cause remains initially unclear.
The affected road will remain unusable for the foreseeable future. Drivers are advised to use extensive detours, which will be signposted soon. "We are currently working with the bus company to organize school bus services," a district spokesperson said. It is not yet possible to say how long the restrictions will last.
