12 Oct 2021 | 03:27 PM UTC
Germany: Authorities to dispose of WWII-era bomb in Essen Oct. 13
Authorities to dispose of WWII-era bomb in Essen, Germany, Oct. 13; large security cordon to prompt disruptions.
Event
Authorities will dispose of an unexploded World War II-era bomb in Essen Oct. 13. The device was discovered during construction work on Kapitalacker Strasse in the Stoppenberg area. A large security cordon is required as the device contains more explosives than most unexploded ordnance typically found in Germany. Authorities will impose an evacuation cordon of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), impacting around 11,000 residents, and a wider security cordon of 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) within which all individuals must remain in doors, impacting a further 27,000 residents. The evacuation is scheduled to commence between 08:30 and 10:30.
Traffic and movement within the security cordon will be tightly restricted for the duration of the disposal operation. Roads will be closed to traffic and public transport normally routed through the area will be canceled or diverted; Deutsche Bahn and Ruhrbahn have confirmed their intention to reroute rail traffic to avoid the affected area. Authorities have not provided an estimate for when the disposal operation is likely to be completed; lingering disruptions are likely after the security cordons have been lifted as traffic flows return to normal.
Advice
Avoid the affected area until authorities give the all-clear. Check local traffic conditions and public transport schedules for disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel; plan alternative routes if necessary.
