One of the world’s biggest fish tanks, which held 1,500 tropical fish, has burst open, flooding the streets of Berlin, where it was located.
The Radisson Blu Hotel boasted the largest free-standing cylindrical fish tank in the world – but on Friday the AquaDom’s glass container smashed and its contents were flooded on the streets around the building.
Many had to run for cover as hundreds of tropical fish spilled out into the roads after the 14m high tank burst open.
According to the police at the scene, two people were injured and there had been “incredible maritime damage”.
Images on social media show huge amounts of damage to the hotel’s foyer, but it has been confirmed that all hotel guests were safely evacuated from the hotel.
Berlin’s police and firefighter services say it is not yet clear what caused the tank to burst open.
Iva Yudinski, a tourist from Israel who had been staying at the hotel, said she was shocked by the incident.
“Just yesterday we watched it and we were so amazed by its beauty,” she told 9news. “Suddenly it’s all gone. Everything is a mess, a total mess.”
The aquarium was modernised two years ago, and there is a glass lift inside for use by visitors. Some of the rooms in the hotel are advertised as having a view of the hotel’s unique attraction.
A Berlin Fire Brigade spokesperson said more than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene.
Rescue dogs were used to check inside the hotel for anyone potentially injured but no one was found.
Police said, “massive amounts” of water was flowing into nearby streets and people in the area should drive cautiously.
A source within the police told local media that there is no evidence that the burst was the result of a targeted attack.
Compiled by Mashudu Mabila
Pictured above: The Flooding Of Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin.
Image source: @FlorencePardoe
