Firefighters are searching for buried individuals in the collapsed hotel in Mariánské Lázně

Mariánské Lázně - Firefighters continue to search the ruins of the rear section of the former Hotel Kavkaz in Mariánské Lázně for possible buried individuals. Trained dogs have indicated one spot where someone might be located. Part of the hotel's structure collapsed on Sunday afternoon; the area around the hotel is closed off, as reported today by ČTK on-site.

According to Oldřich Volf from the Fire Rescue Service of the Karlovy Vary Region, dog handlers trained in searching rubble were called to the scene. "Four out of five indicated a spot where someone might be," Volf stated. Firefighters must first very carefully remove debris to rule out the possibility that anyone is underneath it.

The facility belongs to the local spa company Léčebné lázně Mariánské Lázně. According to its general director, Leo Novobilský, motion sensors connected to a security service were installed in the building. On Sunday at 1:00 PM, the sensors detected movement. "When the security service personnel arrived at the scene, they allegedly heard voices. Then the ceilings collapsed. Therefore, they immediately informed the police and firefighters," Novobilský described.

The area around the former hotel, where English King Edward VII once stayed, has been closed off by the police. Firefighters would welcome it if people who are missing someone would contact the police or the firefighters directly. So far, no one has been reported missing.

The hotel has a building permit for reconstruction. The spa company wanted to renovate it several years ago for 700 to 800 million crowns. However, construction was halted because the British owner deemed the investment too high. According to Novobilský, even after the collapse of part of the rear section, the building can still be repaired, and the company does not currently plan to demolish the main section of the hotel.

According to the mayor of Mariánské Lázně, Petr Třešňák (Pirates), there are about twenty buildings in the city in a very neglected state. These primarily include former spa houses and hotels. However, they belong to private owners. The building authority can only repeatedly urge the owners to remedy the situation.

In recent years, this is already the third facility in the center of Mariánské Lázně that has had serious technical defects. First, a store belonging to the Baťa company had to be demolished due to compromised structural integrity from poor concrete, and a fire also damaged the former hotel Rozkvět, which had to be partially demolished.