Evacuation in Osnabrück: Bomb find forces 15,400 people to escape!

Evacuation in Osnabrück: Bomb find forces 15,400 people to escape!

Osnabrück, Deutschland - In Osnabrück, a 500-kilo bomb from the Second World War was successfully defused on April 7, 2025. This happened after a comprehensive evacuation campaign that started at 7 a.m. and concerned about 15,400 residents from several parts of the city. The defusing was delayed due to people who were in the restricted area, which led to a massive intervention by the police.

experts from the ordnance disposal service had examined a total of four suspected bombing points in the Lokviertel at the former freight station. In addition to the defused 500-kilo bomb, two more bombs were also identified: an additional 500-kilo bomb and a 250-kilo bomb. The latter was blown up in a controlled manner, while the defusing of the second 500 kilo bomb had to be interrupted because the detonator had to be removed. Two people were held responsible for administrative offenses and a person was taken into custody.

evacuation and traffic impairments

The evacuation area extended over almost three square kilometers and affected the residents around the Osnabrück Central Station, which remained closed throughout the measures. Deutsche Bahn reported all-day restrictions in freight and long-distance transport as well as in local and regional traffic. Several nursing homes and two hospitals also had to be closed during this time. An emergency shelter was set up in the Schinkel comprehensive school.

In the past, evacuations due to world war bombs have always occurred in Osnabrück. The city is expecting further suspected cases during the ongoing construction work in the Lokviertel, where a new district is to be built.

For those seeking help, a citizen phone was set up on the number (0541) 323 44 90, which is available for questions about evacuation and bomb finds.

More information about the current developments in Osnabrück can be found at ndr and zdf .