Evacuation at one of Berlin’s most important train stations: how a spectacular incident 13 years ago is responsible for the vacancy of so many stores

You're rushing to catch your train and want to make a quick stop at the bakery - but that's no longer possible at this station. Instead, one empty store follows the next. Find out what an accident from 2012 has to do with it here!

Sandy Al Assi - Editor • November 15, 2025

Friedrichstraße station — Photo: Shutterstock

There is something mysterious about Berlin’s train stations: no wonder the Nordbahnhof was considered a “ghost station” for 28 years or the Pankstraße subway station hides a nuclear bunker for 3,300 people. One of the city’s most important train stations, Friedrichstraße station, could also turn into such a “ghost station” in the future. More and more stores are being vacated here. The pretzel baker Ditsch recently gave up his stall and the sex store on the mezzanine floor has also been temporarily closed. The reason for this lies in an incident from 2012, when 20 kilos of concrete fell from the ceiling – and miraculously no one was injured.

Bahnhof Friedrichstraße — Photo: Shutterstock

A chunk of concrete weighing at least 20 kilograms crashed into the station concourse at 10.45 a.m. on December 13, 2012. Around 190,000 people get on and off at Friedrichstraße station every day – and yet, miraculously, no one was in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one was injured; a woman standing right next to it suffered a shock but did not require medical treatment. After the incident, part of the hall and the track above were closed as a precautionary measure. Important safety measures followed: The ceiling was closely examined by railroad experts and structural engineers and scaffolding was erected for more in-depth inspections. According to the information provided, the cause was found to be construction defects during an earlier renovation.

Even though this incident occurred around 13 years ago, Friedrichstrasse station is still struggling with the consequences today. Numerous extensive inspections have been necessary since then and have been accompanied by renovation work and recurring closures. As a result, stores and commercial spaces could not be used without restriction for a long time – and tenants lost confidence. Are there any security risks? When will everything be ready? These uncertainties led to rising vacancy rates and made the commercial space increasingly unattractive for new tenants. Building inspections are scheduled until spring 2026; only then will tenants be able to move back in.

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