24 May 2022 | 10:15 AM UTC
Germany: Authorities to dispose of WWII-era bomb in Cologne May 24
Authorities to dispose of WWII-era bomb in Cologne, Germany, May 24; transport disruptions likely.
Event
A WWII-era bomb has been discovered at the KVB headquarters building on Scheidtweiler Street in Cologne May 24. Authorities plan to evacuate at least 5,300 residents within a 500-meter (1,640-foot) radius of the site. Major railway and bus disruptions will occur, including on railway lines 1, 7, and 13 and bus line 140. KVB operates rail and bus services in the city, and its headquarters are near the Betriebshof West train station as well as other smaller stations.
Authorities will not permit traffic within the security cordon for the duration of the disposal operation. Public transport normally routed through the area will be canceled or diverted, and authorities could impose localized movement restrictions leading to increased traffic congestion on alternative routes. The bomb is scheduled to be defused later May 24, though authorities have not provided an estimate for when the security cordon will be lifted.
Advice
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before travel; plan alternative routes if necessary.
