Disasters

Coverage of natural disasters, accidents, and emergency situations

Death of laboratory worker in Irkutsk region

◆7 sources

A 28-year-old laboratory worker in Russia's Irkutsk region died after an incident at a laboratory reportedly involving a broken test tube containing plague bacteria. Initial reports said that about 200 people who had been in contact with her were placed under medical supervision or quarantine. Local authorities later said the worker had not died of plague. The governor of Irkutsk said an autopsy found no traces of the disease. The cause of her death is not stated in the reports.

Disasters

Safety concerns over Dutch bridges with prestressing steel

◆5 sources

Follow the Money reported that at least 16 bridges in the Netherlands may be at risk of collapsing without warning because of a defect in prestressing steel wires embedded in concrete. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management was reportedly aware of the problem, while recommended measures had largely not been implemented. The reports said the number of affected bridges could be higher. Bridges identified in the reports included Cadettenkamp on the A27 near Breda, the West Viaduct over the A9 near Uitgeest, a railway viaduct on the A67 near Geldrop, and the Oosterhoutsebrug in Oosterhout. Rijkswaterstaat said the A9 viaduct at Uitgeest, last inspected in 2021, is safe for traffic.

War and Conflicts

Drone attack on Kyiv’s Northern Bridge during Merz visit

◆8 sources

A Russian drone struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro River on Sunday, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko and other local authorities. Images showed the strike occurring while traffic was using the bridge; Klitschko said the road surface was hit. Ukrainian authorities had shortly beforehand warned of drones heading toward Kyiv.

Disasters

Fire at Bella Italia campsite on Lake Garda

◆9 sources

A fire broke out shortly after 06:00 at the Bella Italia campsite in Peschiera del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda. It destroyed about 20 mobile homes or cabins and damaged several cars. At least 24 people were injured and taken to hospital; Italian media reported that one was in critical condition. Most of those injured suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, according to one report. One person was initially unaccounted for.

Transport and Travel

Zuidbrug malfunction on the Afsluitdijk

◆2 sources

The Afsluitdijk on the A7 near Kornwerderzand in Friesland was closed in both directions after a malfunction at the Zuidbrug. Rijkswaterstaat said a mechanic was on the way and that it was initially unclear how long a solution would take. Traffic later resumed in both directions via the Noordbrug.