Major operation in Püttlingen: apartment building burns, several injured!

Major operation in Püttlingen: apartment building burns, several injured!

This morning, May 24, 2025, there was a devastating fire in an apartment building in Püttlingen. The alarm was raised around 7:35 a.m. after receiving several emergency calls. The fire department was quickly called to Weiherbachstrasse, where the situation was dramatic: flames were coming out of the windows on the second floor of the building and the stairwell had also caught fire, blocking the residents' escape route. A total of around 70 residents were reported to be in the building, but it was initially unclear how many were actually there at the time of the fire.

The fire department arrived with a large contingent. Over 100 firefighters, police and rescue services were involved in bringing the situation under control. Several respiratory protection teams searched the smoke-filled upper floors while a turntable ladder was used to rescue people. Doors were also forced open because visibility was severely impaired by the thick smoke.

Evacuation and injuries

As residents were evacuated, an outdoor collection point was set up to record those affected. Some were rescued using the turntable ladder, while others had to be taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation. In total, several people sustained injuries, with three of them being taken to hospital for further treatment. Regrettably, a cat also died in the fire and it was reported that five apartments in the apartment building were rendered uninhabitable.

The fire resulted in a tall column of smoke that was visible from a distance. At least two people were initially reported missing, increasing the urgency of the rescue operation. The city of Püttlingen has now organized emergency accommodation for the affected residents who are in distress as a result of the tragic events.

Cause of fire and consequences

The extinguishing work has now been completed, but the cause of the fire and the exact extent of the damage caused remain unclear. During the operation, Weiherbachstrasse was closed to allow the emergency services unhindered access to the site. Witnesses reported a customer at a nearby bakery who ignored the fire department's instructions and continued to drive through the scene.

The situation highlights the challenges emergency responders face, particularly in critical situations where time and safety are of the utmost importance. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and further information is expected as the city of Püttlingen works to support affected residents.

Further details can be found at sol.de as well as at blaulichtreport-saarland.de.