World War II bomb in Cologne: University Hospital evacuated - patient in danger!

World War II bomb in Cologne: University Hospital evacuated - patient in danger!

in Cologne there was recently excitement about security in the university clinic. On July 14, 2025, a five-center World War II bomb was discovered during construction work, which was only 30 centimeters below the surface of the earth. This led to extensive evacuation measures, which were organized in close coordination between the city of Cologne, the University Hospital and the Ordinance of Ordinary Service (KBD). On July 17, 2025, at 2:55 p.m., the bomb was finally successfully defused, making a great risk from the world. wdr reports that the defusing by Markus Schmitz and Martin Bartels from KBD took place at 3 p.m.

The University Hospital Cologne was forced to evacuate its intensive care units within a few days due to these incidents. Two thirds of the patients were released while the intensive care patients were laid within the building. Outpatient treatments had to be completely canceled that day. Dr. Felix Kolibay, head of the crisis staff, was concerned about the potential supply bottlenecks that were taken from these emergency measures. Residents who were temporarily picked up were also affected with ambulances, including the handicapped by Elisabeth Röhm.

smooth defusing and normal operation after evacuation

In the afternoon of July 17, 2025, the KBD had already started defusing, at that time the area of evacuation was closed to the university clinic. At 2:48 p.m., the city of Cologne reported that the bomb could be defused without further complications. The normal company at the Cologne University Hospital started his work around 4:22 p.m. on the same day after the patient was released. It was shown that the measures planned in advance and the quick reaction led to a smooth process from everyone involved. The university clinic expressly thanked the emergency services of the KBD, the regulatory office and the professional fire brigade, as well as in patients and relatives for their understanding and patience during this critical phase.

The situation often gets cows quickly when it comes to security. But in this case, those responsible proved a good knack in coping with the crisis. The coordination between the university clinic and the authorities worked, so that the affected patients could be informed in good time and the evacuations could be carried out smoothly. The mayor of the city of Cologne also praised the quickly and professional handling of the problem and underlined the importance of such measures for the security of the population Ultimately, this incident once again shows how important good communication and quick reaction are in the event of a crisis. The Cologne University Hospital has mastered the situation well and is now on the way back to normal functionality. Another example that even in worrying circumstances, the safety of the patients comes first and that challenges can be mastered with combined forces. Let's be excited to see how the university clinic will continue to react to such incidents and what teachings are drawn from this situation.

For further information and current updates, a look at the news stickers of the university clinic History and Ethics of the University Hospital Cologne .