Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation after bomb find!

Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation after bomb find!

An exciting, albeit tense day is imminent: In Deutz, three bombs from the Second World War were discovered in Deutz during construction work on Monday, June 2, 2025. The defusing of these dangerous relics will require the largest evacuation campaign in the city since the end of the war. With around 20,000 people affected, the campaign, which is due to start on Wednesday at 8 a.m., accepts tremendous dimensions. The find includes two American 20-centers bombs and a ten-century bomb, all with service tiders. This reports Tagesschau.

The evacuation will extend over a radius of 1,000 meters around the Deutz shipyard. Not only the residents are affected, but also numerous working people who have to give up their offices and jobs in the danger area. Facilities such as the Cologne Messe/Deutz station, the Lanxess Arena, the Eduardus Hospital, several old people's homes as well as various museums and educational institutions are blocked. It becomes particularly a hindrance for visitors to the Cologne Mass and the Musical Dome, who also have to temporarily leave the city. Restrictions on the light rail and bus lines can also be expected from Cologne transport companies (KVB).

evacuation and closures

In order to make the evacuation process sadly but necessary, the Severinsbrücke, the Hohenzollernbrücke and the Deutzer Bridge are closed to traffic. Deutsche Bahn will also redirect the vehicles, which leads to delays in long -distance transport. In particular, the stop in Cologne Deutz/deep fails. For all evacuated, contact points are available in exhibition hall 10.1 and the Humboldtstrasse vocational college. However, pets must not be brought along - an unusual additional rule for many who do not want to do without their four -legged friends.

The first rung for evacuation takes place at 8 a.m., followed by comprehensive road closures. If you do not get yourself to safety in time, you have to expect a forced evacuation by the police. The exact time when the bombs can be disposed of and the locks are lifted remains uncertain. Köln.de reports that the defusing by the Düsseldorf district government is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

massive effects on the local economy

The great effort of the bombing comes to the event for many companies. RTL Germany has already decided to move live broadcasts to Berlin, while the employees have to work in the mobile office. The evacuation also hits 58 hotels and numerous catering businesses that have to be cleared to create space for the security measures.

With a citizen phone on 0221/221-0 or 115, all those affected can find out and clarify which steps must now be taken. An employee of the WDR has also announced that the population will keep the population up to date in several special editions on the evacuation and ongoing defusing, which brings additional liability in the situation.

The explosive situation in Cologne once again shows that the history of the Second World War still leaves noticeable traces almost 80 years later. The tension is tangible, but the city administration goes to work with a clear plan to ensure the safety of everyone involved. We keep our fingers crossed that the evacuation runs smoothly and that the defusing can be carried out without further incidents. You can also find more updates on the location on Spiegel.