In Berlin-Kreuzberg, a 250 kilogram bomb from the Second World War was defused. Forensic technicians from the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) made the dud harmless, as the police tweeted early on Saturday evening. “As soon as you can go back to your apartment, we will let you know. Please be patient a little longer. “
Around 350 police officers were on duty to evacuate the restricted area around Neuenburger Strasse near the Prinzenstrasse subway station, the police said on Twitter.
7500 people were asked to leave their homes from 8 a.m. The Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district office published a telephone hotline for those affected.
During the day, specialists from the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) were supposed to neutralize the bomb. To do this, the detonator is usually removed and the bomb then transported away.
The dud was found during construction work in the courtyard of the patent office. The large complex extends between Gitschiner Strasse and Neuenburger Strasse. The restricted circle around the site has a radius of 300 meters. Neuenburger Strasse is located north of Gitschiner Strasse and lies between Alexandrinenstrasse, Alter Jakobstrasse and Lindenstrasse.
The police drove through the streets with loudspeaker vans. There were announcements in German, Turkish and Arabic. “Duds found” and “Evacuation” were written on electronic display boards on the police cars. The police also published information in Turkish on Twitter.
Police went from door to door to address the people individually and ask them to leave the apartments, the spokeswoman reported. She is not aware of any difficulties or incidents. The procedure takes time: “Accuracy takes precedence over speed.”
The evacuation lasted until the afternoon, many ambulances were on the way. The Heiligkreuzkirche, which serves as an emergency residence, remained relatively empty.
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According to their own statements, the police supported the fire brigade and the DLRG in transporting the elderly and Covid-19 patients. A police spokeswoman reported that the district had rented three hotels, among other things, to create enough space for people infected with corona, people in quarantine and those in need. Social institutions and churches are also available.
The traffic information center asked to drive around the area extensively. The Gitschiner Strasse, the Waterloo-Ufer, the Lindenstrasse, the Zossener Brücke, the Alte Jakobstrasse and the Alexandrinenstrasse are affected. According to the BVG, the bus routes M41 and 248 have been diverted. In the course of the day there could also be restrictions on underground lines 1 and 3, said the transport company.
A World War II bomb was only defused in Berlin-Spandau in mid-October. This was discovered in Haselhorst during construction work. (dpa,Tsp)
