Watch and hope: 14 mines in Bernau are safely blown up!

Watch and hope: 14 mines in Bernau are safely blown up!

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the city of Bernau faces a large-scale challenge: 14 Soviet mines are blown up in a controlled manner on the former barracks on the Schwanebecker Chaussee. This explosion is part of a comprehensive eviction clearance that began in May 2025 when a total of 211 mines were found in the ground during construction work. Of these, 197 could be removed, but the remaining mines must now be made harmless. As the Tagesschau is reported, which has to be left on the area until 8 a.m.

The city administration has taken precautions to ensure the safety of residents during the explosion. The police will secure the area during the evacuation measures to prevent theft, burglary and vandalism. Mayor André Stahl asked the citizens to act quickly and responsibly and to leave the blocking circle immediately. The all-clear after the demolition is communicated via the city's website and through social media channels as soon as the danger is banned, as well as Bernau Live emphasized.

accommodation options and transport adjustments

For those who cannot find any accommodation with relatives or friends, an emergency shelter was set up in “Treff 23” at Breitscheidstraße 23. This will not only be air -conditioned, but also equipped with drinks and dishes in order to offer those affected a certain relief during evacuation. It is also particularly important that the streets affected, including the Schwanebecker Chaussee, Paul-Singer-Straße and Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße, are blocked during the explosion. Depirtions are already planned to maintain the flow of traffic in and to Bernau. The residents of Lindow will also be affected by these changes.

The background to the mines are also revealing. The site on the Schwanebecker Chaussee was formerly the location of the army clothing and until 1993 by a Russian tank regiment in use. In 2016, the area was acquired by a Lower Saxony real estate company that would like to create 2,000 new residential units there. The BfR indicates that such ordnance disposal actions are covered according to strict legal requirements in order to ensure the safety of the population and the emergency services.

While the preparation for the explosion on July 2 is in full swing, the authorities in constant communication with the residents are in constant communication to ensure that all those affected receive the necessary information quickly and in time. It remains to be hoped that the measure will run smoothly and that the city of Bernau will soon be able to take another step into the future without being burdened by past conflicts.