Collapse of the Fronbergwarte: No evidence of an explosion

After the collapse of the 32 meter high tower, which was a popular excursion destination in the area until 2016, there was a lot of mystery in Schardenberg (Schärding district) about the cause. The building was constructed of wood in 1886 and was replaced by a brick structure in 1931. “The tower has been standing for so long, why is it just collapsing now?” asked Schardenberg Deputy Mayor Rosa Hofmann (VP) in an OÖN interview a week ago.

• Also read: Observation tower in Schardenberg collapsed

Experts still lack a precise answer. The cause of the collapse cannot be clearly determined, according to the police, after the scene of the accident was examined again on Friday by officials from the State Criminal Police Office, a court-sworn statics expert and a fire expert from the Upper Austria fire prevention office.

No evidence of explosion

In any case, no evidence was found that could indicate an explosion. Objects relevant to the investigation, such as access doors, air conditioning systems and electrical equipment for antenna systems, have now been uncovered from the rubble. They showed no signs of a detonation and the doors were not deformed.

The fire, which the fire brigade had to put out on the ground floor, started from the battery box, which had ignited due to damage caused by the collapse. According to the structural engineer, the scattering of broken glass and the noise of hail heard by nearby workers are also linked to the collapse.

Frost damage as a likely cause

One thing is certain: the building, which had been closed to the public for years and was still used by technicians for radio transmissions, was dilapidated. Load-bearing wooden structures were infested with pests and rotten. It is highly likely that long-term frost damage to the cinder brick was the cause of the collapse, the police said on Friday evening.