Live Updates: Cologne's Biggest Bomb Defusal Operation
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Cologne is currently in a state of emptiness at 14:02.
Kick back, keep calm, and follow along! Today, we've got the lowdown on Cologne's monumental bomb disposal operation, as the city's historic Quarter Deutz goes eerily quiet. Here's the scoop:
14:02 Deutz Quarters Emptied OutThe right bank quarter of Deutz ain't got a parking problem today, with streets devoid of cars, shops closed up, and residents packing their bags for family or elsewhere, away from the restricted zone. A local resident tells us, "My hubby's off to work, our son to a buddy's house, and I'm headin' to my folks' place. If we need to stay there overnight, we'll.”
13:36 birds-eye View: ntv Reporter Shows Bomb Discovery SiteWe're witnessing Cologne's largest bomb defusal operation ever, peeps! ntv journalist Jan Heikrodt reports from a chopper high above the evacuation zone.
13:22 Homeless Folks Feel the StrainThe homeless shelter "Gulliver" is right in the restricted zone, forced to close its doors. Social worker Sebastian Ebert says, "The evacuation's tough on the homeless too. I'm getting constant calls 'bout what's goin' on and where to go. I refer 'em to other services since ours can't handle it all."
12:58 Wedding Bells Ring in PorzFifteen lovebirds were prepare to say "I do" at the Historical Town Hall, but there'll be no fairy-tale weddin' in the Cologne Town Hall today. Instead, the happy couple ties the knot in Porz, save for registrar Manuela Beilmann who convinced 'em with her spiel, "This is the only spot where they can get hitched directly by the Rhine with a view of the cathedral."
12:25 Dud Explosiveness VariableSo, how dodgy are these duds? According to Kai Kulschewski, the head of explosive ordnance disposal at the Düsseldorf Regional Government, it all comes down to the type of fuse. Time fuses are particularly lethal since they use acid that can corrode over time, potentially causing a spontaneous explosion. But don't fret, 98% of these bombs have impact fuses, and no spontaneous explosion cases have been seen in NRW!
11:47 No Refuseniks as YetCity employees are knockin' on doors to ensure everyone's vacated. So far, they're reportin' no refuseniks. But they've had 'em in the past, causes delays every dang time.
11:11 Biggest Evacuation Since WW2, Just Not the Biggest EverIt's been the largest evacuation since the Second World Two, but it falls fifth in terms of evacuees when compared to other German cities, such as Frankfurt, Augsburg, Hannover, and Koblenz. Exact numbers of evacuees aren't available, but we're talkin' tens of thousands, y'all.
10:43 Eduardus Hospital Transfers PatientsThe Eduardus Hospital in Deutz is transferrin' patients to other Cologne hospitals. Medical Director Axel Jubel reassures, "'s all runnin' smooth as can be."
10:10 RTL Evacuated Before the Last BroadcastThe RTL studios are tucked inside the evacuation zone, makin' Vanessa Civiello and Jan Malte Andresen broadcast live 'til the very end. They even cut off reporter Jan Heikrodt in the thick of things.
09:34 Free Drinks & Wi-Fi on the HouseFamous brewery Gaffel am Dom's offerin' free drinks and Wi-Fi to evacuees, beginning at 10 a.m. First 100 guests get a free welcomin' drink!
09:02 Video: National Rail Traffic DisruptedThe massive evacuation in Cologne is messin' with national rail traffic, temporarily closin' several important routes. ntv reporter Jan Heikrodt spills the beans on why that's the case.
Entertainment"We've Gotta Leave, Come Back Later!" - RTL Studio Evacuated, Broadcasts Until the Last Moment
08:31 Operation UnderwayThe largest evacuation since World War Two has commenced, and roadblocks are poppin' up from 8 a.m. Authorities wil check each apartment to ensure everyone's left, but the timeline isn't clear yet. Says Kai Kulschewski, head of bomb disposal at the Düsseldorf regional government, "It depends on how successful the evacuation is, whether the population adheres to the rules, and only when everyone has left the evacuation radius can our employees start workin'."
08:19 Cultural ImpactDeutz ain't just seein' evacuated homes and buildings, but also cultural institutions like the Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Musical dome. A Philharmonic concert's been canceled, and a comedian's show has been rescheduled to Sunday.
07:43 Ordnungsamt Guards BombsThree unexploded World War II bombs were discovered Monday in a shipyard. They'reexpecting the clearance for disposal by 6 p.m., but first, they've gotta ensure everyone's left the cordoned area.
07:13 Transportation HeadachesCologne Central Station ain't directly affected, but due to Hohenzollern Bridge closures and the closure of Cologne Town Hall, train and bus traffic are experience significant delays. Even Rhine shipping suffer temporary halts.
06:44 RTL Evacuates BuildingRTL headquarters in Cologne-Deutz is evacuatin', cancels morning magazines "Punkt 6" and "Punkt 7", but "Punkt 8" is still a go. They'll broadcast from a mobile office 'til the end of the day, with "Punkt 12", "RTL Aktuell", and the "RTL Nachtjournal" travelling from Berlin. Other shows will be pre-recorded.
06:23 Stay Outta That Zone!The restricted area encompasses the Rhine, Cologne's old town, numerous schools and kindergartens, businesses, event venues, and three bridges over the Rhine.
06:01 Getting ready for the Big EvacuationCologne is preparin' for a massive evacuation, closin' a significant chunk of the city center to allow for the defusin' of three World War II bombs. Approx. 20,000 people'll have to leave their homes within a 1,000-meter radius of the discovery site. Roadblocks'll be set up at 8 a.m.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
Extra Bits:
Over 20,000 residents of Deutz, Cologne, were evacuated on account of three unexploded World War II bombs discovered at a shipyard. The evacuation was the largest since WW2, with various facilities like hospitals, retirement homes, schools, cultural institutions, and bridges affected. The operation was efficiently managed by police, civil protection organizations, and the public order office. During the process, a single resident initially delayed the defusal, but it eventually commenced in the evening and was completed within an hour. The evacuation order was lifted on June 6, 2025, and the operation caused significant disruptions to transportation systems. Municipal contact points and a citizens’ hotline were established to provide support and updates to affected residents. The operation provided a practical exercise for future bomb disposal situations, highlighting Cologne's growing expertise in handling such scenarios.
- Given the ongoing bomb defusal operation in Cologne, it is crucial that the community adheres to the city's policy for a swift and safe resolution.
- In light of the evacuation, it is essential for institutions offering vocational training, such as schools and cultural institutions, to adjust their schedules in order to ensure the safety of the students and community members.
- As the city deals with the fallout of the crisis, local political leaders may face questions about the management of the evacuation process, as well as the handling of resources to aid those displaced by the evacuation, particularly the homeless population and healthcare providers. Meanwhile, sports events and regional transportation services may be postponed or canceled due to the ongoing operation, providing general-news and crime-and-justice updates to cover the situation.
