Two 250-kilogram World War II bombs have been diffused in central Potsdam and in the outskirts of Berlin. Both areas were evacuated as authorities diffused the bombs.

Approximately 10,000 people were forced to evacuate central Potsdam on Wednesday as authorities defused the 250-kilogram US aerial bomb from World War II. The item was found on Monday on the grounds of a Sparda Bank across from the city’s central station.

Authorities cleared an 800-meter radius where the bomb was located. The Potsdam fire department confirmed on its Twitter that the bomb had been diffused at around midday local time.

The evacuation affected several businesses and services including several nursing homes, schools and nurseries. A swimming pool, hotel and the regional parliament building also had to be evacuated.

It was reported that at least four people did not want to leave the evacuated area, according to local German media. In one case, authorities had to break down a door because an old woman refused to leave her home.

Bomb found in Berlin outskirts

Authorities also had to evacuate Hermsdorf, a district in northwest Berlin, after another 250-kilogram World War II bomb was found on Wednesday morning.

Bomb disposal officers had to remove two detonators and undertook a controlled detonation to defuse the bomb. The Berlin police confirmed on their Twitter account that the bomb had been successfully defused and posted a video of a crane removing the bomb from the ground.

Managing UXO risks

Similarly to these incidents in Germany, unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to pose a significant challenge to construction and development projects across the UK. If you’re looking for UXO risk mitigation services for your upcoming projects, take a look at our website or reach out to our commercial team to learn how we can support you.

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