Cologne bomb defusal: 20,000 people evacuated and train traffic paralyzed!

Cologne bomb defusal: 20,000 people evacuated and train traffic paralyzed!

In Cologne today everything is dominated by a complicated defusing process: On June 4, 2025, three World War II bombs were discovered that now have to be defused. An estimated 20,000 citizens are affected by the evacuation, which must take place within a kilometer of the site where the vehicle was found, in Cologne-Deutz at the Deutzer Werft. This measure, which began at 8 a.m., is causing widespread closures and disruption across the city.

In total there are two American 20 hundredweight bombs and one ten hundredweight bomb, all with impact detonators. These bombs were discovered on Monday, June 2, 2025, during construction work. Immediate measures were necessary and the Cologne city public order office took all steps to ensure the safety of the population.

Evacuation and traffic disruptions

The evacuation of the affected areas has been underway since the first hours of the morning. Not only residential buildings are affected, but also essential infrastructure such as the Eduardus Hospital, several retirement homes as well as schools and daycare centers. The evacuation squads, supported by the Cologne Fire Department, are working around the clock to ensure that all affected people are safe before defusing begins.

But the impact of the security measures is not just limited to residents. Daily train traffic over the Hohenzollern Bridge is affected, and the railway has already announced widespread disruptions throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. The Cologne/Deutz trade fair station is also canceled, while local urban transport and shipping on the Rhine have to come to a partial standstill. Freight traffic on the Rhine federal waterway will also be affected.

Comprehensive information for those affected

A contact point has been set up in the gymnasium of the vocational college on Humboldstrasse for citizens who find themselves in emergencies due to the evacuation. It is recommended that all evacuees carry identification and urgent items such as medication or baby food. However, pets cannot be brought into the facility. In addition, a shuttle service is offered to bring those affected safely to their places of retreat, while sick or disabled people are provided with medical transport.

The city of Cologne has provided additional information regarding road closures, public transport disruptions and city services on its website. During this critical period, it is essential to stay well informed. The first FAQs have been available on the city website since June 2nd, and updates can also be followed via Radio Cologne and WDR.

The bombs will only be defused after the evacuation has been completed, which can take several hours depending on the situation. Until then, the security situation remains tense and we can only hope that everything goes smoothly so that people can return to their homes as quickly as possible.

Stay informed and safe, dear Cologne residents!

t-online.de reports about the situation and the corresponding measures.
stadt-koeln.de provides comprehensive information on evacuation and expected restrictions.
wdr.de keeps residents up to date with current news.