A World War II 250-kilogram aerial bomb discovered during railway construction near Happinger-Au-Straße in Rosenheim on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, prompted a major emergency response and the evacuation of roughly 1,500 residents within a 500-meter radius, according to the city of Rosenheim and local emergency teams.

Evacuation and Public Safety Measures

Emergency crews initiated the mandatory evacuation order ahead of a targeted 5:00 PM deadline on Tuesday. Firefighters went door-to-door, an official Zivilschutz vehicle drove through the neighborhood broadcasting loudspeaker warnings, and residents were directed to a designated assembly point at the Turnhalle of Grundschule Happing on Eichenholzstraße 1, as reported by on-site teams. Ralph Bernatzky, Einsatzleiter des PSNV (Psychosozialer Notversorgung) des Landkreises, stated that about 80 evacuees utilized the school gymnasium and courtyard while the crisis intervention team supplied drinking water. For public inquiries, the city established a dedicated citizen hotline at 08031 – 365 83 65.

Transportation Disruptions and Rail Impacts

The discovery forced widespread travel restrictions throughout the area, affecting both roadway and rail networks. The Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) reported schedule deviations and train cancellations on the line between Rosenheim and Kufstein in both directions, prompting the deployment of a two-bus replacement service. The Südostbayernbahn also reported operational adjustments. City officials implemented broad cordons around the Happinger-Au-Straße discovery site, blocking local streets and compelling commuters and residents to travel exclusively on foot or by bicycle.

Major Emergency Operation in Happing on September 29, 2026

Did You Know? Rosenheim was targeted by allied bombing raids toward the end of the Second World War due to its status as a logistics hub, with a severe attack striking the Rosenheim railway station on April 18, 1945, when 200 aircraft dropped approximately 1,300 bombs.

Bomb Defusal and Official All-Clear

Following aerial drone surveys of the water-filled excavation pit and preparations by the explosive ordnance disposal service, experts successfully defused the 250-kilo ordnance by early Tuesday evening. Officials announced the official all-clear shortly thereafter, confirming that residents could soon return to their homes and that closed roads and rail lines would reopen. Rosenheim Oberbürgermeister Abuzar Erdogan issued a formal statement expressing gratitude to all participating emergency personnel and relief workers, noting his relief that the operation concluded without any injuries or hazardous incidents.

Details of the World War II aerial bomb discovery and evacuation in Rosenheim

When was the aerial bomb discovered?

The World War II aerial bomb was discovered on Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026, during railway construction work near Happinger-Au-Straße in Rosenheim.

How many residents had to evacuate the area?

Approximately 1,500 residents living within a 500-meter radius of the bomb’s location were required to leave their homes during the emergency operation.

Where was the official shelter for displaced residents located?

The city established a primary assembly and support point for evacuees at the gymnasium of Grundschule Happing on Eichenholzstraße 1.