Cologne-Deutz: 20,000 people have to be evacuated because of bombs!

Cologne-Deutz: 20,000 people have to be evacuated because of bombs!

The situation in Cologne-Deutz is tense: three World War II bombs were recently found, resulting in the largest bomb evacuation since the Second World War. On Monday, June 2, 2025, exploratory work in the area of ​​the Deutzer Werft, south of the Deutzer Bridge, came across two large American 20-can bombs and a ten-can bomb, each equipped with impact detonators. These bombs must be defused on Wednesday, June 4, and the city has already initiated extensive measures to protect the public. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, around 20,000 people within a radius of 1 kilometer have to be evacuated.

When are the first roadblocks due? The first closures will be in place at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. More detailed information about which roads are affected will be released on Tuesday. The evacuation measures also affect critical infrastructure such as the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing and retirement homes, which require more time for the evacuation to ensure that the vast majority of people are safe in time.

Unmistakable consequences for the entire region

The impact of this evacuation cannot be underestimated. Numerous cultural institutions such as the Lanxess Arena, the Musical Dome, the Cologne Philharmonic, the Chocolate Museum and the Museum Ludwig are in the danger zone and could not be opened on Wednesday. Additional problems threaten as events such as the musical “Moulin Rouge” and a concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra may be canceled if defusing is not completed by 4 p.m.

The Cologne transport company (KVB) and Deutsche Bahn are expecting massive restrictions. Several light rail lines, including lines 1, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 14, are unlikely to be able to operate. The Deutz train station is also affected, while the main train station is not in the evacuation area, but the southern access via the Hohenzollern Bridge has to be closed. This situation can have a significant impact on local and long-distance traffic, informs Radio Erft.

Preparations and further measures

The city has already taken precautions to make it easier for affected citizens to evacuate. The hotels in the area, including well-known hotels such as the Hyatt, the Maritim and the Dorint, are planning to transport their guests to other accommodations. Mutual help is also relied upon to overcome the challenge. There will also be contact points for those affected, although these have yet to be announced.

The preparations for defusing the bombs also require the cooperation of various specialist departments, as Duisburg.de describes. The explosive ordnance disposal service will intervene to clarify what measures are necessary. Information that can influence the duration of defusing includes the condition of the bombs and weather conditions.

The situation in Cologne-Deutz shows once again how important it is to act quickly and safely in crisis situations. The city administration and the responsible authorities are working closely together to prepare everything to safely defuse the bombs and to protect as many people as possible.