Bridge drama at Corpus Christi: Two injured in procession at the lake!

Bridge drama at Corpus Christi: Two injured in procession at the lake!

On June 21, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred at Lake Staffelsee during the traditional lake procession in Seehausen. At the start of the celebrations, a wooden bridge collapsed, resulting in injuries and a massive deployment of rescue workers. Fire chief Martin Bierling reported that the accident was witnessed by tens of thousands of worshipers on the lake. At that moment the mood, which was characterized by happiness and faith, was suddenly clouded.

In total, around 14 people were on the bridge when it suddenly gave way. Two participants suffered injuries: A 79-year-old spectator from Seehausen, who was traveling under the bridge in a rowing boat, suffered a head laceration and pain in the cervical vertebrae area. His wife, a 72-year-old vacationer from Thuringia, fell and suffered minor injuries when she fell backwards onto a support pillar Merkur reports that.... Both injured people were immediately taken to the Murnau accident clinic.

Emergency services and willingness to help

The fire brigade quickly put together a large contingent of emergency services, including the water rescue service with 12 personnel as well as 20 firefighters, two ambulances and emergency doctors. The fire chief, along with his brother, jumped into the water to provide first aid to the injured. Meanwhile, the fire department blocked off access to the bridge to prevent further accidents BR reports that….

Although the Corpus Christi procession, which is an important tradition for many believers, was overshadowed by this tragic incident, there was also much evidence of helpfulness and moral courage among those present at the moment of crisis. The procession does not cross the bridge, but many visitors had gathered on the eastern bank, which further complicated the situation.

Causes and overall damage

The causes of the bridge collapse are still unclear; the Murnau water police are currently investigating. Possible reasons could be material fatigue or overloading of the bridge, which initially appeared to be in good condition. The material damage is estimated at around 15,000 euros and the bridge will remain closed until further notice due to the risk of collapse. Most participants in the sea procession only found out about the incident later, adding to the tragedy Mercury mentions that....

The lake procession on Lake Staffelsee is unique in Bavaria, in which believers travel on festively decorated boats to the island of Wörth after Holy Mass to make a pilgrimage to a chapel there. Although there was a shadow over the celebrations this time, the tradition will surely continue and the community will emerge stronger from the experience.