érkatasztrófája

The Erzsébet Bridge disaster, often referred to as the "érkatasztrófája" in Hungarian, was a tragic event that occurred on November 21, 1944, during World War II. The disaster involved the catastrophic destruction of the Erzsébet Bridge in Budapest.

As the Soviet Army advanced into Budapest, German forces, in a scorched-earth policy, were systematically demolishing infrastructure to impede the enemy's progress. This included bridges spanning the Danube River. The Erzsébet Bridge, a significant landmark and vital transportation link, was targeted.

The demolition charges detonated prematurely, causing the bridge to collapse into the Danube. This unexpected and premature detonation resulted in a significant loss of life. A tram, carrying civilians and soldiers, was on the bridge at the time of the explosion and plunged into the icy waters below. Many perished in the collapse and the ensuing frigid conditions.

The destruction of the Erzsébet Bridge, along with other Danube bridges in Budapest during the war, severely impacted the city's logistics and civilian life. The disaster remains a somber reminder of the destructive power of war and the unintended consequences of military actions on civilian populations. Reconstruction of the bridge began after the war, and a new Erzsébet Bridge was opened in 1964.