Sprungung gleich! Hamburg's Power Plant Disaster Ends with a Big Bang
Countdown for Hamburg power plant demolition complete
After weeks of planning, preparations and delays, Hamburg's infamous power plant, which shot to notoriety late last year when it it blew up, has finally been demolished.
A powerful explosion at around 9:00 a.m. this morning felled the 160-meter tall structure, putting an end to what had become a symbol of the northern German city of Hamburg.
Nobody hurt as tower crumbles to the ground
Spectators that had gathered to watch the demolition of the century were not disappointed. They saw the top of the former coal-fired power plant break off and the tower collapse in on itself, sending up huge clouds of dust.
Nobody was injured in the meticulously planned and prepared demolition.
Power plant had outlived its usefulness
The power plant, built in the 1970s and 80s to provide Hamburg with electricity and district heating, had long since been mothballed. However, despite no longer being in service and plans to use the site for a new urban district with 10,000 apartments, nobody could think of a way to get rid of the 160-meter-high concrete tower.
Best demolition option after all other ideas failed
Various alternatives were considered – including conversion into industrial climbing facility, a high rope course or even a luxury hotel. However, none of these options proved viable and demolition using 149 precisely placed explosive charges was deemed the best option.
Demolition technically demanding
The demolition was technically demanding because the tower had reinforced concrete walls that were up to two meters thick at the base. In addition, the tower had to be brought down in a very precise manner so as not to damage neighboring buildings.
Blast plan revised several times
The team of experts assembled by Hamburg demolition company Sprengmeister Michael nimmt's in die Hand had to revise their blast plan several times to ensure the demolition would go exactly as planned.
Months of preparation paid off
In the end, the months of preparation paid off. The tower collapsed in the precise manner that had been planned, sending up only a relatively small cloud of dust. The dust cloud quickly dissipated, leaving behind a large pile of rubble.
Controlled demolition with surgical precision
Michael Paula, project manager and explosives expert, told local media that the demolition was "surgical precision". The detonation was "very successful," he said, adding that "everything went exactly as planned."
With the successful completion of the demolition, the redevelopment of the site can begin. The area is set to become a new urban district with 10,000 apartments, offices, shops and restaurants.
