Germany: Authorities responding to WWII-era bomb discovery in central Dortmund Aug. 11

Event

Authorities are responding to the discovery of an unexploded World War II-era bomb in central Dortmund as of the late afternoon of Aug. 11; the device was discovered during construction work near the intersection of Heiliger Weg and Am Wasserturm. Authorities plan to dispose of the bomb shortly and evacuate approximately 1,300 residents within a 250-meter (820-foot) radius of the discovery site. Traffic through the area will be suspended, and local bus and suburban rail services will also be impacted. The southeastern section of the inner ring road (Ostwall) will be closed during the operation.

The security cordon will likely remain in place until the device has been made safe; residual disruptions could last through early Aug. 12. Increased traffic congestion is possible on available routes.

Advice

Avoid the affected area until authorities have given the all-clear. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys. Plan alternative routes if necessary and allow extra time to reach destinations in the affected area.