Live Updates: Cologne's Massive Bomb Evacuation
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Studio Forcibly Evacuated at 10:10
RTL studios have been evacuated, with hosts Vanessa Civiello and Jan Malte Andresen continuing the morning show until the very last moment. The studio, located in an evacuation zone, had to sever connections with reporter Jan Heikrodt.
Entertainment News 🎬️
Gaffel am Dom, a renowned Cologne brewery, welcomes those displaced by the evacuation with free Wi-Fi and drinks. Evacuees can enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival, with the first 100 guests receiving special attention.
Bomb Scene Update 💣
A video reveals the nationwide impact of the multiple bomb findings in Cologne on rail traffic. Key routes crossing the Rhine have to be temporarily closed, disrupting travel. ntv's Jan Heikrodt sheds light on the situation.
Panorama 🌄
Rail traffic is affected by the bomb disposal efforts in Cologne. Authorities expect "significant restrictions" in regional and long-distance traffic across North Rhine-Westphalia, as Cologne-Messe/Deutz station and the Hohenzollern Bridge (Germany's busiest railway bridge) are closed. The city's public transport and river traffic are also facing "massive disruptions."
Cultural Activities Impacted 🎭
Cultural life in Cologne is affected by the evacuation. Notable sites, such as Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Musical Dome, find themselves within the restricted area. The Philharmonic has canceled a concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra, while comedian Tedros "Teddy" Teclebrhan's show at Lanxess Arena has been moved to Sunday.
Bomb Guarding and Disposal 💣🛡️
Employees of the Ordnance Office are safeguarding the three unexploded bombs, which were uncovered on Monday during excavation work. The team is yet to determine when they can begin defusing the devices, as thousands of residents must first vacate the evacuation zone. The all-clear for disposal is not expected before 6 pm.
Train Traffic Disruptions 🚂
Although Cologne Central Station is safe, the Hohenzollern Bridge leading to it is closed. Deutsche Bahn anticipates "significant restrictions" in regional and long-distance traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia due to these closures. Cologne's public transport operator (KVB) must reduce train and bus services, with all eight tram lines affected.
RTL's Emergency Broadcast Plan 📺
RTL's headquarters in Cologne-Deutz are within the evacuation zone. The station aims to broadcast "Punkt 6" and "Punkt 7" live but has canceled "Punkt 8." The building will be fully evacuated by 8 am. RTL Germany employees will work remotely as much as possible. "Punkt 12," "RTL Aktuell," and "RTL Nachtjournal" will be broadcast live from Berlin, while all other shows will be pre-recorded to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting. ntv's daily TV program will be produced in Cologne-Ossendorf, which is not affected by the evacuation.
Evacuated Areas 🚫
The restricted area includes the Rhine, Cologne’s old town, various schools, kindergartens, businesses, event venues, and three Rhine bridges. The Cologne-Messe/Deutz station, town hall, a hospital, and two care homes also need to be evacuated. Key locations such as the Cologne Cathedral and Central Station are outside the evacuation zone.
City Center Becomes Restricted Zone 🚸
Cologne faces a massive evacuation in the city center to enable experts to disarm three World War II-era American bombs. Residents must leave their homes in a 1,000-meter radius around the discovery site, with roadblocks set up at 8 am. The evacuation, described as Cologne’s largest since the end of World War II, underscores the ongoing risk posed by unexploded wartime ordnance.
[1] Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
- I am not sure if I can watch the WDR Symphony Orchestra's concert as Cultural life in Cologne is affected by the evacuation, and Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Musical Dome find themselves within the restricted area.
- In terms of general-news and crime-and-justice, it seems that the three American World War II-era bombs discovered in Cologne are causing significant disruptions, not only in rail traffic but also in entertainment, such as comedian Tedros "Teddy" Teclebrhan's show at Lanxess Arena being moved to Sunday.
