German police carry out raids in connection with floods
January 11, 2022
German authorities carried out raids on Tuesday in connection with a mine that collapsed during last summer's floods.
The raids come six months after the devastating floods ripped through western and southern Germany — killing more than 180 people and causing billions in damage.
Why did the raids take place?
The raids on Tuesday centered on an open-cast mine in the western town of Erfstadt that gave way during torrential downpours on July 16, 2021.
More than 140 police officers took part in the operation, searching over 20 offices and residential addresses to gather evidence, German prosecutors said.
Authorities are investigating the mine's operator and five staff at the operations company, as well as four suspects in the Arnsberg district government.
An investigation into the collapse of the mine was launched on suspicion of negligence, as well as potential violation's of Germany's Mining Act.
"There is a suspicion that the accused could and should have recognized the conditions at the flood protection embankment and the pit embankments due to their professional involvement with the gravel pit and should have taken remedial action," said Ulrich Bremer, Cologne's senior public prosecutor.
What happened at the mine?
Throughout the day and overnight on July 16, western and southern Germany were hit with immense downpours.
Some areas saw over 200 liters per square meter (5 gallons per square foot) of rainfall within a short period of time, according to the German weather service.
During this time, many small creeks turned into raging streams, and rivers swelled far past their banks.
That was also the case near the mine under investigation. The mine is located near the Erft River.
During the heavy rainfall, the mine's gravel pit filled with water and the ground later gave way — creating a landslide.
Several buildings at the site were swept away.
No one died at the site, but photographs of the giant, muddy crater at the mine has stayed in the memories of locals and others across Germany following the news.
Initial investigations appear to indicate that the flood protection embankment at the mining pit might not have been properly constructed. Furthermore, the embankments at the site may have been too steep.
Prosecutors said the raids sought to seize documents about the practices at the mine, and to determine if there was negligent behavior.
rs/wmr (dpa, AP)