At least 17,000 people are being evacuated from the city.
UPDATE: An urgent evacuation is underway in Dresden, Germany, as authorities confirm the discovery of a 250-kilogram World War II bomb at the Carola Bridge construction site. The bomb was uncovered at approximately 8 AM on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, prompting the swift evacuation of at least 17,000 residents from the surrounding area.
Police immediately cordoned off the site, deploying 330 officers to enforce a 1km exclusion zone. Residents were advised to leave their homes and board dozens of shuttle buses organized by local authorities. This marks the largest evacuation in Dresden’s history, with emergency services rapidly mobilizing to secure the area.
In a statement, police confirmed, “Their assessment determined it to be a British-made World War II bomb equipped with a detonator that must be defused on site.” As early as Wednesday morning, authorities began monitoring the evacuation zone and urged remaining individuals to comply with emergency personnel.
Traffic is being redirected away from the area, and motorists are advised to avoid the vicinity. The bomb disposal team is standing by, ready to commence defusal procedures as soon as the area is cleared of civilians.
This incident is particularly poignant for Dresden, a city with a painful WWII legacy, where air raids resulted in the deaths of up to 25,000 people. The discovery of this bomb marks the fourth such find at the construction site, underscoring the lingering dangers of the past.
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to prioritize public safety, urging anyone still in the evacuation zone to heed instructions from emergency officers. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses.
