World War II bomb in Stuttgart: evacuations and rail traffic disrupted!

World War II bomb in Stuttgart: evacuations and rail traffic disrupted!

A World War II bomb caused unpleasant excitement in Stuttgart today. The bomb weighing 250 kilograms was found on a construction site and an extensive exclusion zone then had to be set up. These circumstances had a drastic impact on residents and rail traffic in the region.

The Stern reports that around 1,000 people were asked to leave their homes towards the evening. The exclusion zone, which was set up by the city administration, extends over a security area of ​​up to 250 meters around the site, which is located at Augsburger Straße 243. The nearby commercial area and railway tracks were also affected. The explosive ordnance disposal service of the Stuttgart regional council was on site to defuse the bomb.

Evacuation and rail transport

The evacuation began early in the evening and was classified as urgent. At the same time, surrounding streets were closed and all rail traffic was stopped during this time. Travelers particularly affected had to contend with restrictions on long-distance and regional transport. The standstill affected not only commuters, but also travelers who were on their way to destinations in the area.

The defusing of the bomb could only begin at around 8:15 p.m., and the trains have been rolling again according to plan since the beginning of the day. This was confirmed by the City of Stuttgart. The restored train connection represents an enormous relief for many of those affected who want to return to normality after the chaotic situation.

Accommodation and support for evacuees

Accommodation was set up for the evacuated people in the sports hall of the Linden secondary school. The local aid organizations take care of the needs of the affected citizens. Current information is provided on social media and on the Stuttgart Fire Department's website to help the public with any questions they may have.

The approach in Stuttgart is reminiscent of similar situations in other cities, such as Cologne, where unexploded bombs recently had to be defused. Several bombs were discovered during construction work, leading to one of the largest evacuations since 1945. DW reported that 20,000 people were affected in Cologne alone, underlining the safety of residents in the affected areas. These developments show how important it is to implement security measures efficiently in urban areas.

Overall, the city of Stuttgart responded well to the situation, both to ensure the safety of citizens and to restore rail traffic in a timely manner. Today's event makes it clear that unexpected discoveries from the past can still pose a significant challenge today.