More than 20,000 people were evacuated from central Cologne on Wednesday as bomb disposal experts prepared to defuse three unexploded U.S. bombs from World War II. The bombs, each equipped with impact fuses, were uncovered during road construction in the Deutz district.
German authorities cleared a 1,000-meter radius, marking the city’s largest evacuation since the war. The evacuation affected homes, schools, hotels, and key infrastructure, including the Messe/Deutz train station and parts of the Rhine River, disrupting rail and ship traffic. Residents refusing to leave faced fines or police removal.
Germany frequently uncovers WWII-era bombs, with over 1,600 defused in the North Rhine-Westphalia region alone in 2024. Officials say ongoing efforts to neutralize such devices remain critical for public safety.
