Explosion at the Muldenberg dam: An accident 80 years ago!

Explosion at the Muldenberg dam: An accident 80 years ago!

In the spring of 1945, a tragic misfortune occurred at the Muldenberg dam, in which several people were killed. On May 13, 1945, there was a devastating explosion caused by the sinking of large amounts of German ammunition, which was to be carried out by German prisoners of war on behalf of the US Army in the dam. In a memorial, a scientist in Plauen reminded of this fateful night, which shaped the Vogtland forever.

The accident that was officially known on May 15, 1945 on the day after the explosion, led to a severe damage to the dam. In this incident, almost a dozen people have their lives, which increased the importance of this historical site. In memory of the victims, a grave at the parking lot was set up near the dam.

dam Muldenberg - a technical masterpiece

The Damsperre Muldenberg, which was built between 1920 and 1925, is now considered the longest Broken stone mallet in Saxony's dams. With a total length of 525 meters (of which visible 476 meters) and a height of up to 25 meters at the highest point, the dam is not only historical but also technical importance. It builds up the red hollow, the white hollow and the Saubach and plays a central role in the drinking water supply and the flood protection of the region.

The repair of the dam took place from 2001 to 2007. These renovation measures included reinforcement of the water side with concrete and the construction of two new pre -blocking. These measures were necessary to ensure the longevity of this technical masterpiece and increase security standards.

visitors and recreational options

Although bathing and water sports are not allowed in the area of ​​the dam, numerous visitors enjoy a bathing lake in summer that is located below the dam. The wall crown, which has been accessible again since 2008 after a long ban, offers visitors a unique view of the surroundings and invites you to explore. There are information boards between the dam and the railway line, explain the technology and history of the dam and thus provide education and education.

For interested parties in the historical aspects of the dam and their surroundings, the Thuringian dam and water archive in Tambach-Dietharz offers valuable information. The archive, in cooperation with the Thuringian long -distance water supply, has the task of preserving documents and records on dams in Thuringia. So far, around 6,000 book titles and archives have been registered, which makes the archive an important place for the region's water management history.

The tragic event of 1945 and the following measures to secure and maintain the Muldenberg dam are not only memories of a dark time, but also testimonies of technical development and commitment to security in the region. The dam remains an important symbol for flood protection and drinking water supply, while at the same time it serves as a memorial to the people who have lost their lives in the explosion.