Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation due to bomb discovery!

Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation due to bomb discovery!

An enormous security effort is currently being made in Cologne because three World War II bombs were discovered during construction work in the Deutz district. Today, June 4, 2025, the city's largest evacuation operation since World War II begins. Around 20,000 people have to leave their homes while the Düsseldorf district government's explosive ordnance disposal service defuses the bombs. The bombs found were two American 20 quintal bombs and one American 10 quintal bomb, all of which were fitted with impact detonators, which required immediate defusing as they could detonate if shaken.

The evacuation will begin at 8 a.m. and will include all facilities within a kilometer of the site. Those affected include large parts of Cologne's old town, the main train station and numerous hotels such as the Maritim on Heumarkt and the Hyatt on the banks of the Rhine in Deutz. Many restaurants, breweries and shops in the evacuation area must also remain closed. Particular attention is also being paid to the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing and retirement homes, where extensive evacuation measures are also coming into force.

Impact on traffic

Transport connections are severely affected. Deutz train station will be closed to all local and long-distance trains from 8 a.m., but trains can pass through the Hohenzollern Bridge. The light rail lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 14 and 17 will also not be able to cross the closed area. Due to the safety measures, passengers must expect possible diversions and partial cancellations of train services. This situation also has an impact on navigation on the Rhine, with a section of the Rhine being closed for the duration of the defusing.

The Cologne Transport Company (KVB) considers the situation to be so serious that they are urging citizens to avoid the city center during this time. Popular events in the Philharmonie and the Lanxess Arena also had to be rescheduled or canceled due to the circumstances. The performance of the WDR Symphony Orchestra and an event with comedian Tedros “Teddy” Teclebrhan had to be postponed.

Reporting and contact points

The reporting on this extraordinary situation is accompanied, among other things, by special editions of WDR television, while RTL Deutschland has relocated its live broadcasts to Berlin. For those looking for further information, there are several points of contact, including Exhibition Hall 10.1 and the Humboldtstrasse Vocational College. However, it should be noted that pets are not allowed.

The city has set up a citizen hotline where information on the situation can be obtained. The number is 0221/221-0 or 115. Not only the explosive ordnance disposal service is responsible for carrying out the defusal, but also several departments of the city administration, police and fire brigade must work closely together to guarantee a smooth process. Citizens are called upon to follow police instructions to enable a quick and safe evacuation.

This action shows once again how important the safety of citizens is and how quickly the situation in a big city can change. Stay informed and follow the current instructions from the relevant authorities.

In addition to detailed information about evacuation and defusing, you can visit the websites of WZ, daily news and Duisburg inform further.