UPDATE: A massive evacuation is underway in Dresden, Germany, as authorities respond to the discovery of a 250 kg World War II bomb at a construction site. At least 17,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes following the alarming find on the Carola Bridge at approximately 8 a.m. on November 7, 2023.
Police confirmed that the bomb, identified as a British-made device equipped with a detonator, must be safely defused on-site. The swift evacuation marks the largest in the city’s history, with emergency personnel working diligently to ensure public safety.
Authorities quickly barricaded the area, deploying 330 police officers to monitor the exclusion zone. Residents within a 1 km radius of the bridge were urged to evacuate immediately. Shuttle buses have been arranged to facilitate the mass relocation of evacuees as traffic is being diverted away from the area.
“Emergency personnel are now beginning to monitor the restricted area,” police stated. “As soon as there are no more people in the area, the defusing work can begin.”
The Dresden police are actively asking anyone still within the evacuation zone to adhere to instructions from emergency officers, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Approximately 17,000 people are affected by the evacuation,” the police confirmed, urging motorists to steer clear of the area.
This incident is particularly poignant, as Dresden has a history of devastation from WWII bombings, which resulted in the tragic loss of up to 25,000 lives during air raids by British and American forces. The discovery of this bomb is the fourth at the same construction site, highlighting ongoing risks from unexploded ordnance in the region.
As of now, emergency crews are gearing up for the defusal process, with the situation developing rapidly. Authorities will provide updates as they work to ensure the safety of all involved. Stay tuned for further information on this urgent situation.
