Another World War II bomb was found during construction work in Heidelberg. And again thousands have to leave their homes. The bomb must be defused – and “as soon as possible”.
Heidelberg (dpa / lsw) – After another bomb was found during construction work in Heidelberg, the city and police began to evacuate the area around the site on Thursday evening. The state of the bomb requires “defusing it as soon as possible,” the city said. A large part of Bahnstadt and parts of the Bergheim district would have to be evacuated. Over 7000 people live in the affected area. The work would continue well into the night.
The police were on site with a large contingent, said a spokesman on request. There are announcements over loudspeakers from patrol cars and special loudspeaker cars. In addition, emergency services would ring the bells of the residents. The main station in the affected area has not yet been affected by the measures. If the explosive ordnance clearance service comes to defusing it, however, short-term restrictions in regional and long-distance traffic can be expected, the spokesman said.
The city asked affected residents to look for places to stay outside of the affected area. Emergency shelters would be set up, but they might not be able to accommodate all those affected, it said.
A World War II bomb was not found in Heidelberg until December 7th. Both locations are only a few meters apart, the police said. Back then, too, thousands had to be evacuated before the bomb could be defused.