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Cologne stands still: Huge bomb defusal ensures evacuation!
On June 2, 2025, over 20,000 people in Cologne have to be evacuated to defuse bombs. Impacts on traffic and facilities are significant.
Cologne stands still: Huge bomb defusal ensures evacuation!
The clocks are standing still in Cologne today. The discovery of three bombs from the Second World War brings worry lines to the faces of others beyond the city. How dwdl.de Reportedly, these are two American 20-hundredweight bombs and one 10-hundredweight bomb that were found near the right bank of the Rhine at the Deutzer shipyard. The complexity of the planned defusing on Wednesday is already having an impact on many areas of life in Cologne.
The designated evacuation zone, which includes both a hospital and two nursing and retirement homes, is particularly affected. In addition, residents from Cologne's old town and Deutz have to temporarily leave their homes. A large part of the essence of this city — such as the Cologne-Deutz train station, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Severins Bridge — is also severely affected by the safety instructions. In addition, KVB lines 1, 7 and 9 are also said to be affected, which affects overall mobility in the city. Loud dwdl.de The Lanxess Arena and the Musical Dome, among others, are also affected by the restrictions.
Evacuation in full swing
The situation also has an impact on the numerous events that were scheduled to take place in Cologne. Over 20,000 visitors are expected for the ANGA COM trade fair and the series camp conference, but delays in arrival and departure cannot be ruled out. The uncertainty is particularly noticeable for the 58 accommodation establishments that have to be evacuated, including well-known hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Cologne and the Dorint Hotel Heumarkt.
How wdr.de further reported, around 5,000 residents in downtown Cologne were forced to leave their homes overnight. The measures taken included the evacuation of buildings within 400 meters so that everyone's safety can be ensured.
Return and aftermath
Once the bombs have been successfully defused and recovered, residents will be allowed to return to their homes. A shuttle service will be set up to bring those affected home, while sick or disabled people will be brought home with special medical transport. However, until the danger is completely eliminated, road closures will remain in place, which could further delay the return. The city of Cologne will provide further details about the road closures and the disruption to public transport here.
The support of the fire department and public order office is also reflected in the establishment of a contact point in the gymnasium of the Humboldstrasse vocational college for people who needed a place to stay during the evacuation. Those affected should take important luggage such as ID, medication or baby food with them; However, pets were not allowed into the interior of this contact point.
Defusing the bombs will not be an easy undertaking for the city of Cologne, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for residents to return. The explosive ordnance disposal service definitely has its hands full to ensure maximum security. The commitment of the city, the fire department and all the institutions involved is a ray of hope in the tense situation.