Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated because bombs were found!

Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated because bombs were found!

On June 4, 2025, Cologne experienced one of the largest evacuations since the end of the Second World War. Three aerial bombs from the Second World War were discovered in Deutz, which led to around 20,000 people having to leave their homes. The bombs were defused in the evening after the danger area with a radius of one kilometer around the site was rigorously closed. The bombs, two American 20 quintals and one 10 quintal bomb, were found during construction work in the Deutz shipyard, as Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

The evacuation began at 8 a.m., with the first bells ringing and road closures. All people who were in the restricted area had to be evacuated as quickly as possible so that the bombs could be defused under safe conditions at half past seven in the evening. In contrast to other situations, there were no exceptions; Even older people or patients in the Eduardus Hospital had to be brought to safety. This strict procedure meant that the city center of Cologne appeared empty in the morning. Shops remained closed and streets were deserted while fire and police crews provided security on site.

A historical background

Cologne is one of the most heavily bombed cities in World War II. During the conflict, over 1.5 million bombs fell on the city, many of which remained hidden in the ground. Last year, 31 unexploded bombs were discovered, underscoring the ongoing danger posed by undetected explosive devices. These findings are important to minimize risks in the urban area and ensure the safety of residents.

Again WDR Reportedly, Cologne Central Station was not part of the exclusion zone, but Cologne Messe/Deutz station and the Hohenzollern Bridge were affected, which led to diversions and delays in rail traffic. Specialists from the explosive ordnance disposal service were on duty the entire time to defuse the bombs properly and without incident.

An ending with success

Finally at half past seven the time had come: the defusing was successful and the bombs were classified as rusty metal, which eliminated the immediate danger. This was reported by the German wave. Restoring security in the city was an important step towards better coping with such events in the future.

Overall, June 4th was a memorable day that reminds us that the aftereffects of the war are still felt many decades later. The citizens of Cologne adhered well to the necessary measures in this critical situation. A big thank you goes to the emergency services who kept their cool under pressure and in the face of the prevailing threats.