Bridge collapse in Seehausen: Two injuries to Corpus Christi procession

Bridge collapse in Seehausen: Two injuries to Corpus Christi procession

On Corpus Christi Day, June 25, 2025, a serious incident occurred at the pedestrian bridge at the boathütten in Seehausen on Lake Staffel. During the traditional lake procession, the wooden bridge partially collapsed due to overload, which led to injuries in two people. According to reports, the procession did not take place directly above this bridge, but numerous visitors gathered on the eastern bank, which probably contributed to overload. The people present stood on an approximately 30-meter-long bridge, which was last destabilized by several subsequent wooden pillars, such as [Merkur] (https://www.merkur.de/lokales/garm-partenkirchen/seehausen-ort85879/nach-unglueck-bie-be procession-bruecke-93800375.html) reported.

The two injured people are a 72-year-old vacationer from Thuringia, who fell on a support pillar when falling with her back and suffered minor injuries. The other injured, a 79-year-old man from Seehausen, was seriously injured; He suffered a headplace wound and injuries in the cervical spine and chest area. Both injuries were immediately taken to the Murnau accident clinic. Fortunately, other visitors who had fallen into the water were able to swim independently on the shore (https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/brueckeninsturz-waehrend-fronleichnamprozession-zweile ,uoydqkc).

review of the bridge

The bridge belongs to the municipality of Seehausen and has visible damage, such as torn bars, splintered wood and hollowed out load -bearing elements. The property damage is estimated at around 15,000 euros. Due to the severity of the incident, the Munich II public prosecutor was commissioned to investigate. An expert will now create a statics report to assess the safety of the bridge.

The bridge remains closed until further notice, and parts that are under water must be examined in detail. The incident reminded a strong remember a similar accident 20 years ago when a guest fell into the water after a railing was broken. This not only raises questions about security, but also about the future construction of the bridge; Here, timber construction are faced with future steel and concrete options to ensure stability.

a unique event

The lake procession on Lake Staffel is a traditional religious event that is unique in Bavaria. After a Holy Mass, the believers drive to the island of Wörth on festively decorated boats to make a pilgrimage to the chapel. The bridge, which is now blocked for an indefinite period, was an important access for many participants. The severity of the incident could influence the future implementation of such processions.