AquaDom, the world’s largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium located in Berlin, which was home to around 1,500 exotic fish, spread over 50 species, exploded early on Friday, spilling one million liters of water and flooding the lobby of the Radisson Blu hotel as well as the nearby streets.
The Berlin police stated that two people were injured by splinters of glass. “In addition to the unbelievable maritime damage…two people were injured by glass splinters,” Berlin police said on Twitter. Police also evacuated the hotel in the complex, so that if there were any structural damages, the guests were safe.
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Berlin’s fire brigade claimed that more than 100 firefighters were sent to the scene but it was unclear what caused the break. Around 350 people who had been staying at the hotel at that time were asked to immediately leave the building, the fire brigade spokesperson said.
The police have also issued a warning asking citizens to drive cautiously around the area due to the massive amount of water flowing into the nearby streets. Berlin’s public transport authority said Karl-Liebknecht Street, outside the hotel, had been closed off due to “an extreme amount of water on the road”. Tram services in the area were also stopped.
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As for what caused the sudden break, it is being speculated that the freezing temperature, which dropped to as low as -6C overnight, might have caused a crack in the tank, leading it to break.
The AquaDom stands almost 16 meters (52 feet) high and was described as the largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium in the world, receiving the Guinness World Record for the same. It was opened in 2003 becoming the main attraction of the Berlin Sea Life Centre. The aquarium was modernized two years ago, with a clear-walled lift built inside for use by visitors. Some of the rooms in the hotel are also advertised as having views of it.