Unexploded WWII bomb forces mass evacuation in Germany
About 20,000 evacuated in Cologne after authorities discover a 200kg bomb near bridge on Rhine River.
Published On 27 May 2015
About 20,000 residents in the western German city of Cologne have been forced to evacuate their homes after authorities discovered a 200kg bomb from World War II.
Schools and kindergartens remained closed and dozens of ambulances were on the scene to evacuate residents of a nursing home on Wednesday.
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The deactivation of the bomb, which was found near Muelheim bridge crossing the Rhine River, was planned for Wednesday afternoon, the AP news agency reported.
City officials said in a statement that during this time the river would be closed for shipping and the air space would be closed too.
Even 70 years after the end of World War II, unexploded bombs are still found relatively frequently in Germany, generally during construction in major cities.
Cologne was a regular target for Allied bombers during the war.
Source: AP