Bomb Defusal Real-Time Updates +++ 12:25 Assessing the True Threat of Duds?
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What's the threat level posed by the Blind Walkers?
According to Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal at the Düsseldorf Regional Council, to WDR, the risks associated with a dud bomb depend on the fuse it carries. There are two types: impact and time fuses. While time fuses can potentially deteriorate over time and pose a risk of spontaneous explosion, Kulschewski points out that 98% of all bombs feature impact fuses, including the three currently being defused in Cologne. He asserts, "I am not aware of any case of self-detonation in North Rhine-Westphalia. So, they are dangerous, yes, but there's no need to panic, definitely not."
11:47 Neighborhood Checks: No Obstruction So Far
Local authorities are currently conducting door-to-door checks in affected areas to ensure their residents have vacated. This procedure, known as a “doorbell pass,” has been smooth thus far, as per a city spokesperson who praises the cooperation of the community. There have been no refusers who refuse to leave their apartments, although such incidents have been observed during previous evacuations.
11:11 Largest Evacuation Since Post-War Days
This large-scale evacuation in Cologne is the most extensive since 1945. However, it ranks only fifth in terms of people evacuated in Germany. Single incidents in Frankfurt am Main (September 2017, 60,000+ people), Augsburg (2016, over 50,000), Hannover (2017, over 50,000), and Koblenz (2011, around 45,000 people) saw even larger numbers of people relocated.
10:43 Hospital Transfers Remaining Patients
At the Eduardus Hospital in Deutz, ambulances are transferring the remaining patients to other Cologne hospitals. Axel Jubel, medical director of the hospital, assures RTL, "We have things under control today. Everything's going according to plan." They collaborate closely with the fire department.
10:10 Studio Evacuated: RTL Broadcasts Until the Last Moment
RTL studios are also within the evacuation zone. Vanessa Civiello and Jan Malte Andresen continue the live broadcast until the very last minute, even cutting off reporter Jan Heikrodt.
Entertainment
Brewery Offers Free Brews to Evacuees
The Gaffel am Dom, one of the most famous breweries in the city, is extending its hospitality to evacuees through an Instagram story. Starting at 10 am, free Wi-Fi will be available in the brewery, and the first 100 guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink.
Evacuated Live Studio
It's not just the RTL crew who've been affected; the broadcast's live studio is also in the evacuation zone.
09:02 National Impact: Rail Traffic Disruptions
This large-scale evacuation has consequences for national rail travel. Important routes cross the Rhine, which must be temporarily closed. ntv reporter Jan Heikrodt explains in a video the implications.
Panorama
Train Traffic Restricted "Bomb disposal in Cologne has nationwide impact"
The Cologne-Messe/Deutz station is closed due to the evacuation, causing significant restrictions in long-distance and regional traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia. The city of Cologne also anticipates "severe disruptions" for public transport and river traffic, which must halt temporarily. The Cologne Transport Company (KVB) is obliged to cut back on train and bus traffic, with all eight tram lines affected. "We'll do our best to keep services running as much as possible, but we're dependent on decisions made by the city," the KVB explains.
08:31 Evacuation Underway in Cologne
Today, Cologne sees one of its biggest evacuations since World War II. Since 8 am, roadblocks are being established in the city center. Authorities are verifying whether all apartments are empty. The duration of the checks is uncertain as per Kai Kulschewski, head of bomb disposal at the Düsseldorf regional government, who mentions, "The duration of the evacuation depends on the success of the evacuation and the adherence to the rules. If the public leaves the evacuation radius, only then can our teams start working."
08:19 Show Postponed
The cultural scene in Cologne is impacted by the evacuation, with locations like the Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Musical Dome lying within the evacuation area. The Philharmonic has canceled an evening concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra. A performance by comedian Tedros "Teddy" Teclebrhan at the Lanxess Arena has been shifted to Sunday.
07:43 Bomb Guarded – Disposal Not Yet Possible
The three unexploded bombs located on the Deutz riverbank are being watched over by employees of the Ordnance Office. The appropriate disposal teams will not be able to begin their work when it's safe until they ensure all residents have left the safety zone. It is expected that the clearance for disposal will not happen before 6 pm.
07:13 Cologne Train Traffic Severely Disrupted
Although the Cologne main station is not within the exclusion zone, the Hohenzollern Bridge leading to it, Germany's most frequently used railway bridge, is closed. German Railways fears "significant restrictions in long-distance and regional traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia" as a result. The city of Cologne also projects "severe disruptions" for public transport and river traffic, which must cease temporarily.
06:44 Broadcasting Interrupted
RTL headquarters in Cologne-Deutz has been affected as well. The station plans to broadcast the morning shows "Punkt 6" and "Punkt 7" live, but "Punkt 8" has been canceled. The building will be fully evacuated by 8 am. As many RTL Germany employees as possible at the Cologne location will work remotely on this day. "Punkt 12," "RTL Aktuell," and the "RTL Nachtjournal" will be broadcast live from the capital studio in Berlin. "All other shows will be pre-recorded to ensure a smooth broadcast" explains an RTL spokesperson. The daily news program from ntv will be produced in Cologne-Ossendorf from 7 am, as it's not within the affected district.
Triple Bomb Discovery in Deutz: Cologne Enacts Largest Evacuation Since World War II
06:23 Zone to Be Evacuated
This includes such areas as the Rhine, Cologne's Old Town, several schools, kindergartens, businesses, and event venues. Three bridges over the Rhine must also be closed. The Cologne-Deutz train station, Cologne City Hall and its Deutz branch, a hospital, and two nursing homes must also be evacuated. The Cologne Cathedral and the main train station are just outside the evacuation zone.
06:01 Cologne City Center Becomes a Restricted Zone
Cologne is facing one of its largest evacuations in years: a significant part of the city center must close today to enable the defusing of three World War II-era American bombs. Bomb disposal experts can only start their work once approximately 20,000 people have left their homes within a 1,000-meter radius around the bomb site. Roadblocks will be established at 8 AM, followed by checks of all apartments. The entire process may take several hours in an operation of this scale.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
Security Risks of Undeployed Bombs
Disregarded bombs carry inherent dangers due to their potential to detonate if not properly handled. The type of fuse, whether time or impact, impacts the handling procedure and safety considerations:
- Time Fuses - wear a risk of accidental detonation if the bomb is disturbed after the fuse has started but before it has detonated.
- Procedure: Handling requires extreme caution. The fuse should be rendered safe, either by disarming or removing it. However, this only applies to trained professionals equipped with appropriate protection gear. Time fuses can be unpredictable if damaged, potentially leading to premature detonation.
- Impact Fuses - more stable if they land without exploding, but still pose risks if disturbed.
- Procedure: Handling requires careful stabilization to prevent any movement that could trigger a detonation. As with time fuses, handling should be done by experts, with the fuse disarmed or removed if possible, but this requires specialized training and equipment.
General Handling Procedures
Regardless of the fuse type, general procedures include:
- Avoid Disturbance: Do not touch or move the bomb until it has been properly assessed and secured by trained personnel.
- Use Protective Gear: Any handling should be done with appropriate protective gear, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized tools.
- Call Authorities: If a bomb is found, local authorities or bomb disposal units should be contacted immediately.
- Evacuate the Area: The surrounding area should be evacuated to minimize potential harm in the event of detonation.
Technical Support and Guidelines
For specific procedures, support from organizations specializing in unexploded ordnance (UXO) disposal is essential. These organizations provide guidelines and training on UXO identification and disposal methods.
To put things in perspective, both time and impact fuses necessitate careful handling. Always consult with professionals for any handling or disposal of undeployed bombs.
- In the realm of international bomb disposal, even professionals, like Kai Kulschewski in Cologne, must exercise caution when dealing with dud bombs, especially those with time fuses, as they could pose a life-ticking risk of spontaneous explosion.
- Just as bombs require precision and safety measures in disposal, sports similarly demand strategic planning, discipline, and adherence to rules to ensure a successful outcome, making both activities demanding yet key in their respective domains.
