A vehicle collided with a utility box on Waisenhausplatz in Bern, leading to a fire in the underground parkhaus. The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 3, 2025, resulted in significant damage to the utility infrastructure and minor damage to a parked car. Police are now seeking witnesses to help clarify the exact sequence of events.
Key Takeaways
- A car struck a combined water and electricity box on Waisenhausplatz.
- The impact energized a water pipe, causing a rubber seal to ignite.
- Molten rubber dripped onto a vehicle in the underground parkhaus, causing minor damage.
- Damage to the utility box is estimated to be tens of thousands of Swiss francs.
- Bern Cantonal Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area between 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM on Friday.
Incident Details at Waisenhausplatz
The Bern Cantonal Police received a report of a traffic accident on Waisenhausplatz shortly before 12:05 PM on Friday. Initial investigations suggest that a vehicle collided with a water and electricity box located on the square. This collision set off a chain reaction that resulted in a fire within the adjacent underground parking facility.
The accident's immediate consequence was damage to an electrical cable. This damaged cable then energized a nearby water pipe. The electrified water pipe caused a rubber ring, part of a pipe clamp in the parkhaus underneath Waisenhausplatz, to ignite and burn.
Incident Timeline
- Friday, October 3, 2025: Accident reported to Cantonal Police Bern
- Time of Incident: Approximately 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
- Location: Waisenhausplatz, Bern
- Affected Infrastructure: Combined water and electricity box, underground parkhaus
Fire and Damage Assessment
The burning rubber ring melted and dripped onto a car parked directly below it in the parkhaus. This caused minor material damage to the vehicle. However, the primary damage was to the water and electricity box itself. Authorities estimate this damage to be in the range of tens of thousands of Swiss francs.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. The Bern Cantonal Police were present, along with the professional fire department from Schutz und Rettung Bern. Their coordinated efforts helped to manage the situation and prevent further escalation of the fire.
"The damaged electrical cable energized a water pipe, which then caused a rubber ring to ignite in the parkhaus," stated a spokesperson for the Bern Cantonal Police. "This sequence of events highlights the potential hazards when critical infrastructure is compromised."
Investigation and Witness Appeal
The Bern Cantonal Police have initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. They are actively seeking witnesses to gather more information about what happened on Waisenhausplatz.
Specifically, police are asking for anyone who observed anything unusual between 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Bern Cantonal Police by calling +41 31 638 81 11.
Importance of Utility Boxes
Utility boxes, like the one damaged in this incident, are critical components of urban infrastructure. They house connections for essential services such as electricity and water. Damage to these boxes can lead to significant disruptions, including power outages, water supply issues, and safety hazards from live electrical components or ruptured pipes. Ensuring their protection is vital for public safety and service continuity.
Safety Measures and Future Prevention
Incidents involving utility infrastructure underscore the importance of careful driving and awareness in public spaces. While the police investigation is ongoing, this event serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of vehicle collisions with stationary objects, especially those containing vital services.
Local authorities may review existing safety measures around critical utility points in high-traffic areas like Waisenhausplatz. This could include adding protective barriers or increasing visibility to prevent similar accidents in the future. The cost of repairs and the potential for widespread service disruption highlight the need for such preventive measures.
The Bern Cantonal Police continue their work to piece together the events of that Friday. Public cooperation through witness reports is a key part of this process. Understanding the full picture will help prevent future incidents and enhance urban safety.