Because of the defusing of a bomb from the Second World War, around 1,900 residents in the community of Kirner Land had to leave their homes.
The defusing began shortly after 11:30 a.m., said a spokesman for the community. How long it will last cannot be foreseen yet. The residents had to leave their houses and apartments within 500 meters of the dud by 8 a.m. Fortunately, no old people’s homes or hospitals had to be evacuated in the affected area, said a spokesman for civil protection.
Since 10 a.m., federal road 41 and the railway line along the Nahe have also been closed in the area. The ordnance disposal service in Rhineland-Palatinate has started defusing it.
Defusing under difficult conditions
The 250-kilo bomb was reportedly discovered by two people who paddled in a rubber dinghy on the Nahe on Wednesday. There is currently low water there. The condition of the dud is unclear because half of it is under water. Defusing it will also be more difficult than in a building pit, for example.
The tools had to be brought to the site using a truck crane and a rubber dinghy. In addition, a path had to be cut. According to the municipality, 184 workers are on site.
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