A 1.8-ton World War II bomb was discovered in Pforzheim on Wednesday during construction work. The defusing of the bomb is scheduled for today, leading to one of the largest evacuation efforts in Germany in recent years. The affected areas include the eastern part of Pforzheim, where up to 30,000 residents must leave their homes.
Benjamin Koch from the Pforzheim police emphasized that the evacuation must be completed quickly so that the bomb disposal experts can begin their work. Since 8 a.m., 200 police officers have been deployed to control the evacuation area and ensure that no individuals remain in the affected zones.
The police have already started monitoring the restricted area. Individuals who do not comply with the instructions may face fines. Access routes are blocked, and the control process may take several hours. Additionally, there are minor delays with patient transports, as reported by the city of Pforzheim.
The Jahnhalle has been set up as an emergency shelter, accommodating around 400 people. It has been fully occupied since shortly after 8 a.m., as those affected were allowed to enter from 7 a.m. The city has been using social media to keep the public informed about the situation.
