Two Water Pipe Bursts in Saga High-Rises in Wilhelmsburg
Hamburg, February 7, 2026 – Residents of high-rise buildings owned by the municipal housing company Saga in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg were forced to spend Friday night in hotels instead of their homes due to two separate incidents involving burst water pipes. The first incident occurred early Friday morning, followed by a second burst pipe shortly before 3:00 AM on Saturday.
Frost Suspected as Cause of Burst Pipes
According to the fire department, the second incident, which occurred just before 3:00 AM on Saturday, involved the bursting of a fire extinguishing pipe, likely due to frost. This necessitated the immediate shutdown of electricity to the affected building. The first water pipe burst in another Saga high-rise on Friday, indicating a potential widespread issue related to the cold weather conditions.
Residents Evacuated and Housed in Hotels
The affected residents were evacuated from their homes and provided with hotel accommodation for the night. The exact number of evacuated residents and the duration of their displacement were not immediately available. The municipal housing company Saga is responsible for managing the affected buildings.
Ongoing Investigations and Impact on Residents
Investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of both water pipe bursts and to assess the extent of the damage. The incidents highlight the challenges posed by freezing temperatures to urban infrastructure and the importance of preventative measures. The disruption has caused significant inconvenience for the affected residents, who are awaiting further information regarding their return to their homes.
This incident follows other recent news from Hamburg, including the death of a 24-year-old man in Eißendorf after an attack by masked individuals, and positive results for FC St. Pauli and HSV in their respective football matches. Additionally, Hamburg police are monitoring the Alster and canals due to thin, brittle ice, warning citizens about the dangers of venturing onto it.