250-Pound WWII Bomb Found in Ludwigshafen Forces Emergency Evacuation
A 250-pound unexploded bomb from World War II was uncovered in Ludwigshafen's Edigheim district on February 18, 2026. The discovery prompted an immediate evacuation, with around 200 residents temporarily displaced from their homes. Emergency services quickly moved to secure the area and assist those affected.
The device, identified as an incendiary bomb, was found in southern Edigheim, leading authorities to cordon off the surrounding area. Seven individuals with medical needs were prioritised and safely evacuated by emergency teams. The remaining residents were relocated to the TV Edigheim handball hall, where they received shelter, food, and essential supplies.
Specialists from the Rhineland-Palatinate state bomb disposal service arrived to assess and neutralise the threat. After careful preparation, the team successfully defused the ordnance later the same day. Following the operation, evacuated residents were given the all-clear to return home, and the nearby railway line—temporarily closed during the procedure—was reopened.
Lord Mayor Prof. Dr. Klaus Blettner later acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the disruption.
Unexploded World War II bombs remain a recurring hazard in Germany. Over the past five years (2021–2025), more than 2,000 such devices have been discovered and defused nationwide. Major evacuations have taken place in cities like Dortmund (13,000 people in 2024), Cologne (20,000 in 2023), and Hanover (50,000 in 2021).
The bomb's safe defusing brought relief to Edigheim, allowing displaced residents to return and local transport to resume. While incidents like this are becoming less frequent, they highlight the ongoing risks posed by historical ordnance buried across the country. Authorities continue to monitor and respond to such discoveries as part of routine safety measures.
