World War II bomb in Cologne: evacuation of the university clinic started!

World War II bomb in Cologne: evacuation of the university clinic started!

Yesterday, on July 16, 2025, the city of Cologne was under the spell of a worrying event. A World War II bomb weighing five hundredweight was found near the university hospital, which led to extensive security measures. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (KBD) began defusing at 1:52 p.m. and ordered temporary evacuations. A clear evacuation radius was determined to ensure the safety of residents and hospital staff. How the Cologne University Hospital reported, for the safety of patients, all outpatient treatments in the university clinic had to be canceled on July 17, 2025 and an admission stop for inpatients was also imposed.

In the last few days there have been extensive preparations between the city of Cologne, the university clinic and the KBD. Such collaborations are crucial in eliminating the dangers of ordnance dating back to World War II. These bombs not only pose a serious threat, but also an enormous logistical challenge. On July 12, 2025, the bomb was discovered and defusing it was urgently scheduled. The Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne informed that due to the evacuation measures, courses for students on campus also had to be changed.

Evacuation measures and patient safety

Evacuation efforts began on July 17, 2025 at 10:04 a.m. The responsible authorities have agreed that all affected patients will be informed in a timely manner. Such measures are intended to minimize risks and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Explosive historical legacies such as this World War II bomb require a careful approach, which in Germany is regulated by clear laws and regulations. This is how the disposal of explosive ordnance is done Wikipedia described, not only a question of safety, but also a legal obligation.

In a further step, the outpatient facilities are also closed to make room for the safety of everyone affected. This ensures that patient transfers within the university clinic can proceed smoothly. It should be noted that the KBD requires exceptional skills to defuse or eliminate World War II ordnance. Geophysical detectors are often used to identify potential dangers at an early stage.

Outlook and ongoing measures

The bomb is defused within a framework set by the authorities, whereby all relevant factors, such as local conditions and the safety of local residents, are carefully considered. The city, university clinic and KBD work hand in hand to carry out the defusing as safely and efficiently as possible. The citizens of Cologne are called upon to find out about current developments and measures via the official channels of the city of Cologne. During ongoing work, it is important to remain level-headed and cooperative. Such urban crises require everyone to stand together.

The deployment of the explosive ordnance disposal service in Cologne once again illustrates the necessity and urgency of dealing with the legacies of past wars. The city of Cologne can be proud of tackling such challenges with a clear plan and the necessary expertise. So stay informed and safe!