Seehausen: tragic bridge collapse during Corpus Christi procession!

Seehausen: tragic bridge collapse during Corpus Christi procession!

On June 19, 2025, there was a serious misfortune during the traditional Corpus Christi procession at Lake Staffel in Seehausen when a wooden pedestrian bridge collapsed. The accident occurred at the moment when many believers gathered on the eastern bank to take part in the procession. The bridge, which was accessible to visitors, did not withstand the weight of several people, which led to several wooden pillars and partially collapsed. A total of two people were injured, including a 79-year-old man from Seehausen and a 72-year-old vacationer from Thuringia. The older man suffered a headplace wound and pain in the cervical vertebrae while he was under the bridge with his rowboat. The vacationer fell on a pillar with her back and was slightly injured. Both were brought to the Murnau accident clinic, where the 79-year-old has now been released. The injuries were classified as moderate and slightly.

The bridge was recovered with a car crane on July 31, 2025 to inspect the debris. On site, an expert, officials from the criminal police as well as skilled workers and Markus Hörmann, the first mayor of Seehausen. The investigation into the cause of the accident is now underway and an expert opinion is created. A first indication of the cause could be a heavily attacked wooden support on the side of the bridge, which may have been a decisive weak point. Some debris were ensured to check the suspicion of material fatigue. The remaining part of the bridge was released for the removal, but after the disassembly there is a gap on the boat area; A provisional solution is not planned.

damage and effects

The property damage on the bridge is estimated at around 15,000 euros. At the same time, the collapse represents a significant impairment for the local community. It is unclear how many people were actually on the bridge at the time of the accident. The bridge remains closed until further notice. Mayor Hörmann announced that the municipal council has to decide on the construction of a new bridge what the residents and the participants of the lake procession would like to present some challenges.

The Corpus Christi procession at Lake Staffel, a unique event in Bavaria, usually attracts many believers. The participants, festively decorated, travel by ferry to the island of Wörth, where they visit a chapel. The accident overshadows the traditional celebration this year.