Bomb disposal completed - explosive device deactivated
In the heart of Dresden, Germany, a significant event unfolded on August 6, 2025, as a 250-kilogram World War II bomb was successfully defused. The British-made aerial bomb was discovered during clearance work near the partially collapsed Karola Bridge in the city centre.
The discovery of the bomb triggered the largest evacuation in Dresden's history, with approximately 17,000 residents asked to leave the city centre, including areas on both banks of the Elbe River. Notable landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, a historic church rebuilt after being destroyed in the war, and several hotels were included in the evacuation zone. Temporary accommodation was arranged at the Dresden Exhibition Centre for those displaced.
The bomb, equipped with an igniter and requiring on-site defusing, was expertly handled by Holger Klemig from the bomb disposal service. The all-clear was given at 13:19, following which the evacuation order was lifted in the afternoon.
Residents are now free to return to their homes, and traffic restrictions will be lifted. The restricted area around the Carolabridge will be opened shortly. The bomb, now transported to the central collection point in Zeithain for disposal, serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance from World War II, which still frequently surface in Germany during construction or clearance activities decades after the war.
For updates, the Dresden police will provide information via the short message service X. Emergency buses were available from 6 am, departing from Wilsdruffer Straße/Corner Galeriestraße, Pillnitzer Straße/Gerichtsstraße, Sachsenplatz/Florian-Geyer-Straße, and Albertstraße/Archivstraße.
The Dresden public transport company ran shuttle buses from 6 am to 9 am to take evacuated people to the trade fair. The police have closed off the city centre, and a helicopter from the Saxon police was used to obtain an aerial view of the security area. The water construction ship Domarin was parked at the Marienbrücke.
Unfortunately, two film screenings, "Wilma wants more" and "The Big Lebowski", scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Elbe bank, had to be cancelled due to the bomb find.
For those affected, the emergency shelter at the Dresden Trade Fair has been available since 6 am. The evacuation area extended about a kilometer around the bomb find spot. The police have reminded everyone to leave the evacuation area by 9 am today.
For the latest updates and information, visit www.dresden.de/bombe.
General news about the cancellation of two film screenings, "Wilma wants more" and "The Big Lebowski", scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Elbe bank, occurred due to the discovery of a World War II bomb in the city centre of Dresden, Germany. The event, a significant crime and justice matter, led to the largest evacuation in Dresden's history, with approximately 17,000 residents asked to leave, including sports enthusiasts and those engaged in sports-betting activities in the affected areas.
