Bridge breaks during Corpus Christi procession: seriously injured man!

Bridge breaks during Corpus Christi procession: seriously injured man!

On June 18, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Seehausen am Staffelsee during the traditional Corpus Christi procession. At the start of the celebrations, a wooden bridge collapsed while around 14 people were standing on it. Hundreds of believers took part in the procession, which is usually carried out on boats. The first reports speak of a loud bang, followed by cries for help, as fire chief Martin Bierling described. The fire brigades were immediately deployed to help.

Among the injured was an elderly man who was seriously injured, while his wife suffered minor injuries. The two received immediate medical attention. Fire brigade commander Martin Bierling and his brother Gregor jumped into the water to help the injured. The rescue efforts were supported by a large contingent of emergency services, including 12 members of the water rescue service and around 20 firefighters, as well as two ambulances and emergency doctors who were quickly on site.

Cause and investigation

The exact cause of the bridge collapse is currently unknown and is being investigated by the Murnau water police. Possible causes could be material fatigue or overload. While most of the participants in the procession on the lake were unaware of the accident and were only informed later, the path to the bridge was immediately blocked off to avoid further danger.

Despite the dramatic events, the sky over Seehausen was bright blue, and the Corpus Christi procession was characterized by the helpfulness and moral courage of those present. However, the incident greatly overshadowed the religious celebration, as Merkur reports.

Innsalzach24 also emphasizes that the procession is an important religious event in which many believers take part. The incident and its handling by the community show the strength and cohesion in such difficult times.