Germany: Wind turbine collapses hours before official launch
Officials in Germany are investigating why a huge wind turbine collapsed just hours before it was due to be officially inaugurated
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Officials in Germany are investigating why a huge wind turbine collapsed just hours before it was due to be officially inaugurated.
The turbine, whose rotor blades reach a height of 239 meters (784 feet), toppled over late Wednesday in a forest near the western town of Haltern.
German news agency dpa reported Thursday that police were not currently suspecting sabotage.
The wind turbine was scheduled to be officially launched Thursday, though it was connected to the power grid six months ago.
Germany is trying to ramp up its use of renewable energy such as wind and solar as part of a transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear power.