Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated for bomb finds!

Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated for bomb finds!

Deutz, Köln, Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, Cologne experienced one of the greatest evacuations since the end of World War II. In Deutz, three air bombs from the Second World War were discovered, which led to around 20,000 people to leave their apartments. The bombs were defused in the evening after the danger area was closed with a radius of one kilometer around the site. The bombs, two American 20-centers and a 10-center bomb, were found during construction work in the Deutzer shipyard, as [https://www.ksta.de/koeln/koeln-ter-tag-stille-1038376) reported.

The evacuation started at 8 a.m., with first bell bends and road closures. All people who were in the restricted area had to be left as soon as possible, so that the bombs defused at half past eight in the evening under safe conditions. 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 approach led to the city center of Cologne looked empty in the morning. Business remained closed and streets were orphaned, while the fire brigade and police's emergency services provided security.

a historical background

Cologne is one of the most bombarded cities in World War II. During the conflict, over 1.5 million bombs fell to the city, many of them remained hidden in the ground. 31 duds have already been discovered in the past year, which underlines the constant danger that emanates from undiscovered explosive devices. These findings are important to minimize the risks in the urban area and to ensure the safety of the residents.

How the WDR was not part of the restricted zone, but the Cologne train station and the Hohenzollernbrücke were affected, which was affected and delays Rail traffic led. Specialists of the ordnance clearance service were in use all the time to defuse the bombs properly and without incidents.

an end with success

Finally at half past eight, the time had to be: the defusing was successful and the bombs were classified as rusty metal, which removed the immediate danger. This was reported by the Situation, the Cologne citizens have adhered to the necessary measures. A big thank you goes to the emergency services, which preserved a cool head under pressure and in view of the prevailing threats.