Cologne on alert: 20,000 people evacuated because of a bomb find!

Cologne on alert: 20,000 people evacuated because of a bomb find!

Köln, Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, one of the largest evacuations have been in Cologne since the end of the Second World War. Over 20,000 people have to be brought to safety from the city center after three World War II bombs were discovered in Deutz. This measure is necessary to ensure the impending defusing of the bombs that are considered dangerous.

The evacuation affects an area with a radius of 1000 meters around the site. The facilities concerned include the Eduardus Hospital, two retirement homes, as well as many schools, daycare centers, hotels and museums. The police and fire brigade have already set up roadblocks and control access to the affected areas.

evacuation measures and traffic impairments

The evacuation runs according to schedule, despite some delays. A person who refused to leave the danger zone required compulsory measures by the emergency services. The evacuation began this morning with a first round of bell at 8 a.m., followed by a second at 1:30 p.m. People are asked to leave the area of evacuation, otherwise the police have to initiate forced eviction.

In Cologne city center, there are significant effects on rail traffic. The Hohenzollernbrücke is closed during the defusing and massive restrictions in local and long-distance transport are to be expected. Shipping on the Rhine and the airspace over Cologne are also temporarily closed. The city administration advises the population to avoid the city center.

Details about the bombs

The bombs found are two American 20-centers bombs and a 10-hundredweight bomb, all with surcharge. The exact time for the defusing of the bombs is currently uncertain. However, the defusing should take at least 90 minutes after the corresponding permits have been granted.

annually in North Rhine-Westphalia between 1500 and 2000 bombs from the Second World War are found, including around 200 bombs of large calibers. These legacies still represent a significant security risk, which is why preventive measures are taken by the authorities.

effects on public life

The current situation also affected numerous events in the city. A concert by the WDR symphony orchestra in the Philharmonie and a performance by the comedian Tedros "Teddy" Tecebrhan in the Lanxess-Arena were canceled. Even 15 couples moved their weddings to the Porz district. RTL Germany also shifted its live broadcasts to Berlin and has employees work in the mobile office.

affected residents should contact their insurance immediately, since damage due to the detonation of a world war bomb may not be regulated. According to the model conditions of the GDV, insurers are not obliged to pay for such damage cases because they are considered war events. So far, however, no cases are known in which regulation has been rejected.

Communication on this sensitive situation is via the WDR special editions and a citizen phone that provides information. The hotline 0221/221-0 or 115 is available for questions. The city of Cologne is working intensively to successfully design the evacuation and to ensure the safety of the population.

Report for more information on this topic Merkur , Tagesschau and wdr detailed.