World War Munitions: Bomb Disposal in East Saxon Milkel - Town Evacuated

Urgent Evacuations Occur as a Result of a Bomb Discovery

On Thursday, July 28, 2023, an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in the eastern Saxon town of Milkel, Germany. The bomb was found during construction work at a new housing development. The discovery prompted an immediate evacuation of the surrounding area, affecting approximately 1,500 residents.

Immediate Actions Taken to Diffuse the Bomb

Local authorities, including the police and fire department, quickly cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby homes and businesses. A team of bomb disposal experts from the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) was called in to assess the situation.

The experts determined that the bomb was a 250-kilogram aerial bomb, likely dropped by Allied forces during World War II. It was armed and posed a significant risk of detonation.

Expert Disposal Team Safely Defuses Bomb

The bomb disposal team carefully removed the bomb from the construction site and transported it to a nearby field for controlled detonation. The detonation was carried out successfully, and no injuries or damage were reported.

The evacuation order was lifted shortly after the detonation, and residents were allowed to return to their homes and businesses.

Historical Context of the Bomb Discovery

The discovery of the bomb in Milkel is a reminder of the legacy of World War II in Germany. During the war, Germany was heavily bombed by Allied forces, and many unexploded bombs remain buried in the ground.

The Bundeswehr regularly conducts bomb disposal operations throughout Germany, and it is estimated that they have defused over 100,000 unexploded bombs since the end of the war.

Safety Precautions for Residents

Residents of Milkel and other areas where unexploded bombs may be present are advised to take the following precautions:

• If you find a suspicious object, do not touch it.
• Report the object to the police or fire department immediately.
• Do not attempt to move or dispose of the object yourself.

Sources

Welt: Bombenfund in Milkel - Sprengung erfolgreich
MDR: Bombenfund in Milkel: Entschärfung erfolgreich
Bundeswehr: Bombenentschärfung in Milkel