A 250-kilogram World War II bomb was discovered on Tuesday afternoon during a targeted search near the Carolabrücke in Dresden. The bomb is scheduled to be defused on Wednesday, requiring all individuals to evacuate a 1,000-meter radius around the site by 9:00 AM.
Bomb Discovery and Investigation
The suspicious object was detected during surveys on the Königsufer, on the Neustadt side of the Elbe river, in preparation for the construction of the new Carolabrücke. Data from the surveys indicated a “round body,” which could have been a pipe, according to the drilling company.
Since October, the 11,000 square meter area on Königsufer has been surveyed with boreholes. A probe within the borehole reacts to metallic objects, registering 31 instances. Twenty-nine of these were deemed uncritical, but two required further investigation, leading to the discovery of the bomb. The other object investigated was not a bomb.
Since the end of February, specialists have been examining non-critical disturbances, primarily uncovering metallic scrap.
Current Situation and Potential Disruptions
The bomb’s detonator is damaged, which may complicate the defusal process. Police are currently controlling the perimeter of the evacuation zone. We see currently unclear how long the evacuation will last, but it affects approximately 18,000 residents, as well as commuters and tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the bomb discovered?
The bomb was discovered on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026.
What is the size of the evacuation zone?
The evacuation radius is 1,000 meters around the bomb’s location.
What time must people evacuate the area?
All individuals must leave the evacuation zone by 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
As authorities prepare for the defusal, what steps will residents take to ensure their safety and minimize disruption to their daily lives?
