Calm returns to Berlin: residents return after confirming the safety of a World War bomb
Berlin experienced a significant state of turmoil this week after two World War II bombs were found in different areas of the city, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. What began as a situation of tension and chaos has now ended in relief for many, as it turned out that one of the bombs was harmless, and residents returned safely to their homes.
The first discovery was made on Thursday during construction work at the Spree River near Fischerinsel in the central Mitte district. Authorities quickly established a safety zone with a radius of 500 meters, evacuated about 10,000 people, closed busy streets and subway lines, and even halted ship traffic on the river. Emergency shelters quickly filled up as families waited all night for updates.
On Friday morning, the Berlin police brought good news: the bomb found in Mitte poses no danger and does not need to be dismantled. Residents were allowed to return to their homes, and transport services, including the U2 and U5 subway lines, were resumed. The Mitte district, which includes landmarks such as the Reichstag building, the Brandenburg Gate, and Alexanderplatz, returned to normal life after hours of concern.
In Spandau, the second device – a Russian bomb weighing 100 kilograms found during construction work – still needs to be dealt with. About 12,400 residents have been evacuated, with many spending the night in gyms set up as temporary shelters. Police confirmed that the bomb will be safely defused on Friday. Despite the inconvenience, authorities emphasized that there is no immediate danger.
These evacuations were among the largest seen in Berlin in recent years, but the swift response of emergency teams and the later confirmation that residents could return to their homes brought relief throughout the city. With the date of the famous Berlin Marathon approaching, officials and residents hope that attention will now turn to the big event without further disruption.