A 100-meter section of the Carola Bridge in Dresden collapsed into the Elbe River early Wednesday, causing significant disruption but no injuries. The collapse has halted tram, pedestrian, and boat traffic, and severed district heating pipes, leaving the city without hot water. The incident is being treated as an accident, with potential causes including chlorine corrosion from the bridge's construction during East Germany's communist era. Emergency crews are working to mitigate further collapses, especially with heavy rainfall and flooding expected. The bridge, a major artery between Dresden's Old Town and New Town, was scheduled for renovation next year, with other sections recently completed. City officials are now prioritizing the investigation and repair efforts to restore this crucial infrastructure.