Massive Berlin aquarium explodes, causing catastrophic flood [Video]

In a shocking turn of events, a massive aquarium in Berlin burst early Friday morning, causing chaos and destruction at the AquaDom tourist attraction in the heart of the German capital. The incident resulted in the spilling of debris, water, and over a thousand tropical fish, leaving parts of the building damaged and two people slightly injured. The AquaDom, owned by Union Investment Real Estate, is a popular tourist spot that also houses a hotel, cafes, and a chocolate store.

The reasons for the aquarium burst are still unclear, according to a statement released by the company. Mayor Franziska Giffey described the incident as unleashing a „veritable tsunami“ of water, but noted that the early morning timing prevented more serious injuries. She emphasized the fortunate timing of the incident, stating that had it occurred just an hour later, the damage could have been much worse with more people awake and in the vicinity.

The AquaDom, standing at 25 meters tall, is known as the largest cylindrical tank in the world and was home to over a thousand tropical fish, including species like blue tang and clownfish. Unfortunately, none of the 1,500 fish could be saved in the aftermath of the burst. Efforts were underway to rescue 400 to 500 smaller fish housed in aquariums beneath the hotel lobby, as they were at risk of not receiving enough oxygen to survive without electricity.

Various organizations, including the Berlin Zoo, offered to take in the surviving fish. The aquarium operator, Sea Life, expressed sadness over the incident and stated that they were seeking more information from the AquaDom’s owners. Speculation arose that freezing temperatures overnight may have caused a crack in the acrylic glass tank, leading to its explosion under the weight of the water. However, police found no evidence of malicious intent behind the incident.

The aftermath of the burst saw the evacuation of around 300 guests and employees from the hotel surrounding the aquarium. German lawmaker Sandra Weeser, who was staying at the hotel, described the scene as resembling a war zone, with shards of glass everywhere and flooded furniture. The Lindt chocolate store and several restaurants in the building complex, as well as an underground parking garage, also sustained damage.

As cleanup efforts began, trucks cleared away debris from the street in front of the hotel. The brightly colored Lindt chocolate wrappers scattered around the damaged chocolate shop painted a picture of the chaos that ensued. The AquaDom, a major tourist attraction in Berlin, underwent modernization in 2020 and was known for its 10-minute elevator ride through the tropical tank, which was a highlight for visitors.

Animal rights group PETA criticized the incident, calling the aquarium a „death trap“ for the fish housed within. They emphasized that aquariums are not safe environments for marine life. Tourists, like Iva Yudinski from Israel, expressed shock and dismay over the sudden loss of the beautiful aquarium. She described the scene as a total mess, contrasting the previous day’s amazement at its beauty with the current devastation.

In conclusion, the bursting of the aquarium at AquaDom in Berlin was a tragic event that caused significant damage and loss of marine life. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of maintaining large aquariums and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals housed within them. The aftermath of the burst highlighted the resilience of the community as efforts were made to rescue surviving fish and assess the extent of the damage caused.