Dresden bombing disarmament: bomb specialist declares after detonation neutralization: "One less concern"
In Dresden, Germany, on Tuesday, August 2025, a World War II bomb was discovered at the former Carolabridge site. The bomb, weighing 250 kg and of British design, was equipped with a fuse and had to be defused on site.
Authorities promptly declared an evacuation zone of approximately a 1,000-meter radius around the bomb site, affecting thousands of residents, workers, tourists, and businesses. About 17,000 people had to evacuate the area, including residents, hotel guests, and those working in the affected districts of Inner Old Town, Inner New Town, and Pirnaischer Vorstadt.
Emergency services coordinated the clearing of the area by a set deadline, with the emergency shelter at Messe Dresden open from 6 am on Wednesday. Special assistance was arranged for those with limited mobility through dedicated hotlines.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists are currently defusing the bomb on site, as the bomb cannot safely be moved before defusing. After successful defusal, the bomb will be transported to a secure disposal site, likely located outside the city.
The bomb discovery has disrupted daily life in Dresden, causing inconvenience and potential economic loss. Many tourists' holiday plans have been affected, and almost every tram line is being rerouted due to the bomb disposal operation.
The city administration has asked Dresden residents to consider whether there are persons in their neighborhood who may need help and to inform the emergency services if needed. Several kindergartens and senior homes have been affected by the evacuation.
The city has set up an emergency shelter at the exhibition grounds in Ostragehege, with shuttle buses from Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe running to and from it. Traffic congestion, delays, and route cancellations are expected in Dresden's public transport.
Despite police efforts to evacuate the area, there are still people in the evacuation zone. The process for disposing of unexploded World War II bombs involves careful evacuation, on-site defusing, and transportation to a designated disposal facility.
Experts do not rule out further bomb findings, as such operations occur regularly in major German cities due to ongoing construction and clearance work. The city is aware of the challenges for care facilities and will secure and protect residents within the care facility.
In other news, the award ceremony for the Order of Merit has been postponed due to the bomb disposal operation. The city will provide tips on what to pack and prepare for evacuation, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens during this challenging time.
Political authorities have declared a temporary halt in general-news broadcasts, prioritizing updates on the bomb disposal operation in Dresden. The ongoing crime-and-justice investigation into illegal activities in local businesses within the evacuation zone has been temporarily paused.
In light of the bomb discovery and subsequent evacuation, the scheduled award ceremony for the Order of Merit aims to be rescheduled once the area has been fully cleared and deemed safe. City officials have emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety during this critical time.
