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Danger of collapse in Unterelchingen: THW secures dilapidated building!
On July 13, 2025, the THW in Unterelchingen secured a building in danger of collapsing with emergency scaffolding. There is a danger to residents.
Danger of collapse in Unterelchingen: THW secures dilapidated building!
In Unterelchingen, an old building is causing great concern. Today the technical relief organization (THW) Neu-Ulm took action to avert the acute risk of a building collapsing. With support from Ulm and Weingarten, 42 helpers did everything they could to build a supportive emergency structure. This happened as part of administrative assistance for the Neu-Ulm district office, which warned of the possible dangers for the area. Parts of the roof had already given way, significantly affecting the statics and endangering the safety of the building. “There's something going on,” the helpers said to each other and pitched in to prevent something worse from happening. Today, the THW used special laser scanners to detect the smallest movements of the structure in the millimeter range and to ensure that the measures are effective
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The dangers should not be underestimated. The building law office warned that not only was the stability of the affected building at risk, but that surrounding structures could also be affected. The condition of the building, which is partly used as a stable for animals, is so worrying that there is talk of internal pressure on the gable wall caused by the collapsed roof. This wall's position could cause it to tilt outward, increasing the potential risk of massive damage.
Collaboration and support
The main street was closed for the duration of the operation from Friday lunchtime to the evening to make the work easier. Several trucks transported the necessary scaffolding materials. The components were lifted to higher ground using a forklift and loading crane, which made on-site coordination considerably more difficult. Thanks to the help of the Bavarian Red Cross rapid response group, the helpers were able to be provided with drinks and food. A nice procession came voluntarily from parents at a nearby school festival, who spontaneously donated cakes for the dedicated helpers.
Concerns about the threat of building collapses are growing. The need for responsible action on the part of property owners is becoming more and more discussed. As the Herfurtner Law Firm makes clear, owners are legally obliged to ensure that their property does not pose a danger to third parties. This includes quick and appropriate security measures, a circumstance that was obviously not fully present here. In the end, the question will have to be addressed in the next few days as to whether the old building should be demolished in order to rule out further risks. It remains to be seen what decisions the responsible authorities will make.
In the meantime, one can only hope that such events serve as a reminder for future planning and maintenance. Increasing urbanization, coupled with a large number of old buildings, poses increasing risks that all stakeholders must address. A good hand at securing buildings could be crucial to ensuring we can continue to walk our streets and neighborhoods safely.