Cologne evacuation: brewery as emergency accommodation for 20,000 citizens!

Cologne evacuation: brewery as emergency accommodation for 20,000 citizens!

An alarm signal recently shook the cathedral city of Cologne: three bombs were found during construction work at the Deutzer shipyard on Monday, June 2, 2025. These include two 20 quintal bombs from American stock and one 10 quintal bomb, all with impact detonators koeln.de reported. The defusal of these ordnances is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th and could result in one of the largest evacuations since World War II.

Over 20,000 people who live or work in Cologne's old town and large parts of Deutz have to vacate their homes and workplaces. A danger area with a radius of 1,000 meters around the site will be evacuated from 8 a.m. Central contact points such as the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station, the Lanxess Arena and the Eduardus Hospital are also affected. Previous traffic planning must be changed: The Severins Bridge, Hohenzollern Bridge and Deutzer Bridge will be closed, and the Cologne Transport Company (KVB) and Deutsche Bahn have announced disruptions express.de.

An unexpected refuge

For those seeking refuge due to the evacuation, the Gaffel am Dom Brauhaus opens its doors. From 10 a.m. visitors are warmly invited to make themselves comfortable there. In addition to a warm place at the edge of the evacuation radius, the first 100 guests will even be given a small welcome gift. Free WiFi is also available so that those affected can continue to fulfill their professional obligations during the exceptional situation koeln.de.

The evacuation of residents is supported by the Cologne fire department and took several hours. A contact point has also been set up for those affected in the gymnasium of the Humboldtstrasse vocational college. Some rescued residents were able to spend the night here, while others looked for alternative accommodation. It was important to take ID cards, medication or baby food with you to these places, as pets were not allowed to be brought with you wdr.de.

Strategy and challenges

The city has already taken measures to make the evacuation as smooth as possible. To make it easier for residents to return home, a shuttle service will be offered to bring those affected safely home after the evacuation has ended. This is supported by medical transport for sick or disabled people who need special help.

For the people of Cologne, the discovery of the bombs from the Second World War was an unexpected challenge. While waiting for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service experts, many stay at their chosen refuges - a little discomfort in the midst of everyday life and necessity, but also an opportunity to support each other in difficult times.

The situation remains tense, but preparations are underway. On Wednesday we will see whether everything goes according to plan and whether the bombs can be successfully defused so that everyone can return to their homes and offices. Until then, we wish all Cologne residents a lot of strength and worry-free endurance!