Rescuers search for three missing after German building collapse possibly caused by gas explosion

Key points

• Rescue teams in eastern Germany searched on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) morning for three people who were missing after a building collapsed in the eastern city of Goerlitz near the Polish border.
• Police said a gas explosion may have been the cause of the collapse of the building, which took place Monday (May 18, 2026) night.
• Emergency responders proceeded with great caution at the scene in case of gas leaks, German news agency DPA reported.
• After unsuccessful attempts to locate the missing under the rubble with the help of search dogs, rescuers began clearing debris with an excavator and by hand around 2 am Tuesday (May 19, 2026).
• Initial concerns that up to five people may have been buried under rubble turned out to be wrong, police said.