Bomb find in Cologne-Weiß: Large evacuation planned today!

Bomb find in Cologne-Weiß: Large evacuation planned today!

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a dud from World War II was discovered in the Weiß district of Cologne. It is an English two-and-a-half-century bomb with a weight of 125 kilograms, which is equipped with a rear impact bunting. This detonator reacts sensitively to vibrations, which is why a high degree of care is required when defusing. The district government of Düsseldorf (KBD )'s ordnance disposal service has decided to defuse the bomb on the same day to minimize possible dangers for residents.

In advance, a safety radius of 300 meters was determined around the site. This affects approximately 20 residents who have to leave their apartments until the bomb defuses. The affected area includes the streets of Fuchkaulenweg and lower white path. The Ordnungsamt of the City of Cologne works closely with the KBD to coordinate the evacuation and the necessary blocking measures. Walkers and cyclists are asked to avoid the danger area, while for road users with restrictions on road traffic, since several access roads have been blocked nearby.

Current situation and measures

The defusing of the bomb has led to comprehensive measures. The city of Cologne informs the public about current traffic tours on its website, Radio Köln, the WDR and about the Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe. It is important to emphasize that such finds in Cologne are not an isolated case. It is estimated that numerous duds from the Second World War are still stored in the earth's ground. Around 40 percent of the bombs dropped over a million did not explode.

The defusing has a preliminary schedule, but still no specified time. The authorities work with high pressure on a fast and safe solution. After the defusing has been completed, the population is immediately informed about the all -clear. Already on Monday, June 2, 2025, three bomb flies were discovered in Deutz, which illustrates the constant danger of the inactive explosives in the city.

In this last case, it was two American 20-centers bombs and a ten-century bomb that were also successfully defused, among comprehensive evacuation measures, which concerned around 20,500 residents. This situation was the greatest evacuation after the end of World War II in Cologne. The events of the past few weeks show the continued challenge associated with the defusing of old ammunition. Cologne in particular must therefore regularly adapt to such incidents.

For those affected, there were emergency accommodation as part of the defusing to offer an adequate solution for those who could not be accommodated privately. The city has tried to make these missions as transparent as possible and keeps the citizens informed about all further developments.