Berlin neighbourhood evacuated after Russian WWII bomb found

A busy area of Berlin was temporarily evacuated after a 100-kilogram Russian World War II bomb was uncovered during construction work in the city’s Kreuzberg district. The discovery led to road closures and the evacuation of nearby buildings, including the popular German Museum of Technology, while bomb disposal experts worked to neutralise the device.

A Routine Yet Serious Threat – WWII Bombs in Germany

The discovery of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from WWII is not uncommon in Germany, where intense bombing campaigns left thousands of unexploded bombs buried beneath cities and towns. Despite extensive post-war clearance efforts, many remain undetected until unearthed by construction work or other ground disturbances.

Berlin police quickly established a safety cordon around the site, ensuring the protection of residents and workers while explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams assessed the situation. After careful preparation, the specialists successfully defused and removed the WWII bomb, allowing normal activities in the district to resume.

UXO Risks Are Not Limited to Germany

While Germany frequently encounters WWII bombs, similar risks exist in the UK, where aerial bombardment and military training exercises left behind significant quantities of UXO. In fact, an estimated 10% of all WWII bombs failed to detonate as intended, meaning construction projects across the UK and beyond still face the potential disruption and danger posed by buried explosives.

Mitigating UXO Risks in Construction Projects

For developers and project managers involved in construction, infrastructure, or land development, the presence of UXO can lead to costly delays, logistical challenges, and serious safety concerns. This is why conducting a professional UXO risk assessment before breaking ground is essential.

Brimstone UXO specialises in UXO risk mitigation, offering comprehensive services, including:

• Preliminary UXO Risk Assessments – A fast and cost-effective initial screening to determine potential UXO risks on a site.
• UXO Surveys and Investigations – Advanced surveys and ground investigations to detect and identify buried ordnance.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Clearance – Safe removal and disposal of UXO to ensure construction sites remain safe and operational.

Build Safely With Brimstone UXO

Whether you’re managing a small development or a large-scale infrastructure project, UXO risks should never be overlooked. Brimstone UXO is the UK’s only Ministry of Defence-assured explosive ordnance clearance contractor, providing expert solutions tailored to each project’s needs.

If you are embarking on a new project or have concerns about UXO on your site, contact our dedicated commercial team for expert advice and support.

For more updates and insights, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.