Friday, September 19
Two World War II bombs, more than 20,000 evacuated across Berlin
The first device was discovered in the Spree on Thursday evening during routine work: an unexploded bomb from the Second World War, lying in the heart of the city. Following the discovery, the surrounding area at Mühlendamm Lock was cordoned off, boat traffic on the river halted, and the U2 service suspended between Alexanderplatz and Spittelmarkt.
Bomb disposal units began work overnight, forcing 12,300 residents to leave their homes. Many were moved to the Rotes Rathaus to spend the night. Police officers went door to door on Thursday evening, alerting people to the danger.
The defusing operation was considered especially challenging. Divers had to descend into the murky depths of the Spree after dark to examine the device buried in the silt. On closer inspection, however, experts determined it posed no risk. Residents were allowed to return home on Friday morning.
But apparently, when you wait 80 years for a bomb, two arrive at once. To the west of the city, in Spandau, another wartime device was discovered: this one requiring the evacuation of 12,400 people, including the complete clearance of Vivantes Hospital.
The 100-kilogram bomb was found on Neuendorfer Straße. Officials have imposed a 500-metre exclusion zone around the site, and the operation remains ongoing. Once the area is fully cleared, defusing will begin, though it is not yet known how long the process will take.
