November 28, 2025, 07:08November 28, 2025, 07:08
Around 6,000 people in Cologne had to leave their homes in the evening because two World War II bombs were being defused. At around 1:20 a.m., the city announced that both unexploded bombs had been successfully defused. Afterwards, all closures were lifted and residents were able to return to their apartments and houses. Trains and trains can also run again without restrictions. The unexploded bombs were removed.
The unexploded bombs were found during special work. (symbol image)Image: keystone
Before the defusing, an important railway line was closed: most long-distance, regional and freight trains that travel from Cologne-Deutz on the right bank of the Rhine towards Bonn and Frankfurt/Main had to be temporarily rerouted, as a spokesman for Deutsche Bahn said.
The unexploded bombs, English ten-pound bombs with impact detonators, were found during exploratory work in Cologne-Gremberghoven right next to residential buildings. A safety zone was created within a 500 meter radius of the site. Almost 220 people from the fire department, the public order office and other authorities were on duty. (sda/dpa)