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Magnet angler unleashes old horrors: phosphorus bomb found in Leipzig
On June 13, 2025, a magnet angler pulled a smoking phosphorus bomb from the White Elster in Leipzig. The fire brigade and police were on duty.
Magnet angler unleashes old horrors: phosphorus bomb found in Leipzig
On Thursday evening, June 13, 2025, the fire department and police in the Plagwitz district of Leipzig were alerted. At around 5:30 p.m., a magnet angler fished a smoking object from the White Elster, near the Plagwitzer Bridge on Karl-Heine-Straße between Klingerweg and Nonnenstraße. The explosive ordnance disposal service was immediately requested to clarify the situation. A 50-meter exclusion zone was set up and surrounding streets were closed to ensure the safety of the public.
Upon closer examination, the object found turned out to be a phosphorus bomb from the Second World War. This type of bomb, which is a mixture of white phosphorus, naphtha and rubber, is often used as an incendiary bomb and smoke bomb. The explosive nature of phosphorus bombs is well known, as they ignite upon contact with atmospheric oxygen and produce smoke that is harmful to health. However, the smoking bomb had produced smoke due to a chemical reaction with the air when it was pulled out of the water, but was classified as a dud and therefore no longer dangerous.
The dangers of phosphorus bombs
Phosphorus bombs were used in both the First and Second World Wars and remain a source of danger today. Their use can pose health risks ranging from third-degree burns to serious injuries. Handling burning phosphorus requires special caution; Water is unsuitable for this, but sand is recommended to extinguish the flames. Despite their danger, the exact circumstances and international use of phosphorus bombs are controversial.
Articles about the use of phosphorus bombs in current conflicts, such as the Iraq War or the Gaza conflict, show that the discussion about the legal status and humanitarian effects of these weapons remains very relevant. Fortunately, the danger was quickly eliminated in Leipzig.
The bomb was removed late in the evening, with the operation lasting until around 10:30 p.m. After the necessary measures were completed, the closures of the surrounding streets were lifted and residents were able to go about their way unhindered again.
These events highlight that even decades after the end of the Second World War, ammunition from this period is still being found and that close cooperation between authorities is necessary to ensure public safety. Radio Leipzig reports that ... and Wikipedia offers information about the phosphorus bomb.