AquaDom: Germany’s 82ft aquarium housing 1,500 fish that exploded inside hotel was ‘ticking time bomb’

The massive aquarium that blasted in Germany was a “ticking time bomb”, experts have said. The blast resulted in the death of 1,500 fish.

The experts said that the absolute negligence of the hotel authorities and the construction company led to the unfortunate accident.

Herman Schuranm, ex-owner of Schuranm Sea Water Equipments and an expert on seawater tanks, said negligence in the care and the age of the tank are the primary reasons for its blast.


The 82 feet tall water tank blasted in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin, on December 16, killing about 1500 fish. More than one million litres of water burst out of the tank resulting in a sudden flood in the lobby area of the hotel and the street. Two people were also injured in the accident. A much bigger accident was averted as it could have turned much deadlier if the blast had happened one hour later when the lobby area was full of guests.

Schuranm said that the specific instructions regarding the age and repair of the aquarium were not followed. Many such aquariums last about 25 years, but this aquarium, known as AquaDom, burst after only 19 years. Experts say that the aquarium should have been inspected and repaired more frequently.



Schuranm said that the construction company and the hotel are to be blamed for this accident. He said that the aquarium should have been inspected every two years. He added that the aquarium should have been heated to 80 degrees celsius after the construction and again after the renovations. This process is costly but essential to maintain the safety of the aquarium.

Schuranm said the stress within the glass due to the high volume of water is the primary reason for the blast. Police have not found any evidence which suggests a malicious act but the cause of the blast remains unclear.

A spokesperson of Radisson Blu said that the members of their investigation team are at the accident site and are looking into the causes of the blast along with the government authorities.

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