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World War II bomb in the Hanover recycling center: Fire brigade sounds the alarm!
On August 31, 2025, the fire brigade discovered a burnt-out phosphorus bomb while extinguishing fires in Hanover-Stöcken. No injuries.
World War II bomb in the Hanover recycling center: Fire brigade sounds the alarm!
A normal Thursday morning in Hannover-Stöcken became the scene of a dangerous incident when the fire department discovered a phosphorus bomb while extinguishing the fire at the recycling center. The alarm sounded around 8 a.m. when emergency services became aware of the fire, which may have been caused by the damaged bomb. Fortunately, there were no injuries, which makes the situation seem almost positive considering the circumstances. Loud NDR Fire brigade and explosive ordnance experts from Munster were deployed to remove the dangerous relic.
The phosphorus bomb, which dates back to the Second World War, was classified as burnt out and was transported away by the experts in secure conditions. Phosphorus bombs are known for their use as incendiary bombs, producing thick, smoky haze upon contact with oxygen. This is one of the main dangers because the bombs contain highly toxic phosphorus, which, when ignited, spreads rapidly and produces dangerous flames.
A look at the dangers
Similar incidents involving phosphorus bombs are not limited to Hanover. On March 12, for example, such a bomb was discovered on the banks of the Lech in Augsburg. Firefighters investigating a small fire found a cylindrical object identified as a phosphorus bomb. Here too, the emergency services noticed reddish-blue smoke and the characteristic sulphurous-sweet smell - signs of a dangerous chemical reaction. As with the incident in Hanover, the fire department advised passers-by to keep their distance and wait for emergency services to arrive without touching suspicious objects Mercury reported.
The exact origin of the bomb in Hanover remains unclear, and just like in Augsburg, such finds continue to give regional authorities pause. The explosive ordnance disposal service plays a central role in ensuring safety in advance of the recovery and minimizing further risks. Entering dangerous areas where such relics are suspected should always be done with extreme caution.
At a time when memories of the horrors of the world wars often fade, such discoveries are a sobering sign that the dangers of the past remain present. Every newly discovered explosive object challenges the emergency services and reminds us of how important the work of explosive ordnance disposal services is.