Bomb disposal experts are in Osnabrück to safely defuse World War II ordnance after the successful evacuation of about 14,000 residents. The operation was prompted by the discovery of bombs at a former freight station site, now earmarked for development. Authorities managed the evacuation, enforcing compliance where necessary, and set up an evacuation center for displaced individuals. The operation, unprecedented in scale, aims to minimize disruption by taking place on a Sunday, with some residents already returning home.
Bomb disposal experts are on-site to safely defuse potential World War II ordnance in Osnabrück. The evacuation of approximately 14,000 residents has been successfully completed, allowing specialists to commence their critical operations.
Reports indicate the presence of several World War-era bombs at the former freight station site, which is set to become a locomotive district. City officials noted that construction workers identified suspicious areas during excavation activities. Simon Vonstein, a spokesperson for Osnabrück, remarked, “Even for a city accustomed to multiple bomb discoveries, this situation is exceptional.”
Evacuation: Challenges and Compliance
Police have been actively managing the evacuation zone since 7 a.m. Drones have been deployed to locate any individuals who may still be in the area. Authorities expressed concern, stating, “Unfortunately, not all citizens are acting rationally and sensibly.” In some instances, emergency services were compelled to forcibly enter residences. By 7 a.m., approximately 14,000 individuals were instructed to vacate their homes, with those refusing to leave facing fines up to €5,000.
The Technical Relief Agency (THW) has been assisting the police in ensuring compliance by helping to open doors when necessary.
Impact on Public Transport and Local Facilities
The evacuation affects the neighborhoods of Fledder, Schinkel, and the city center. A comprehensive list of impacted addresses is available through city resources. In total, this operation involves about 8,650 households and around 300 businesses. Osnabrück Central Station has been closed since 7 a.m., resulting in train reroutes. Passengers are advised to anticipate cancellations and delays that may last until at least 7 p.m.
Support for Evacuated Residents
An evacuation center has been established at Schinkel Comprehensive School for displaced residents, with around 420 individuals currently seeking refuge there. A dedicated hotline is providing updates and assistance to those affected, reachable at (0541) 323 44 90. This service will remain operational for the duration of the evacuation, and the city is offering real-time updates via a live ticker on its website. Additionally, the police have initiated communication through WhatsApp, marking a new approach for major operations.
Healthcare Facilities and Patient Care
The evacuation radius encompasses three nursing homes and two hospitals: Marienhospital and Christian Children’s Hospital. According to Thomas Cordes, head of the city’s regulatory office, both facilities have largely been evacuated in advance, having prepared for this scenario over the past weeks. While the Marienhospital has been completely cleared except for specific areas, full evacuation of the children’s hospital was deemed too risky for its patients. Hospitals outside the evacuation zone are on standby to accommodate additional patients as needed. Water-filled containers have also been strategically placed to mitigate potential pressure waves from any detonations.
A Historic Operation
The scale of this operation is unprecedented, as noted by Cordes. Evacuations due to bomb discoveries have been common in recent years, with Osnabrück having been heavily bombed during World War II. “We anticipated finding suspicious sites from the outset of the ground work,” Cordes said, but added that typically only a few thousand residents are affected. “This is likely the largest so-called container fortress we have ever had to establish.”
Choosing the Optimal Day for Operations
The decision to conduct the bomb disposal on a Sunday was deliberate to minimize disruption. Cordes explained, “If we had chosen a weekday, not only would residents have been impacted, but also numerous businesses and offices.” By selecting Sunday, they aim to reduce overall inconvenience to the community.
The operation has progressed more swiftly than anticipated, with about 2,600 residents already returning to their homes.
The explosive device, initially submerged in water, has been successfully recovered for defusing.
This operation reflects ongoing efforts to address the remnants of wartime activities, which began with Allied bombings on June 23, 1940.
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NDR 1 Niedersachsen | Current | November 17, 2024 | 09:00 a.m.
NDR 1 Niedersachsen reported on this situation on November 17, 2024, at 07:00 a.m.