Bomb find - Road closures before bomb disposal in Mainz
Street closures have been set up for the planned bomb disposal in Mainz. "We are starting to patrol now", said the spokeswoman of the city around 9.00 AM. People were supposed to have left their homes by then. Only when it is secured will preparations for the disposal begin.
Almost 10,000 residents are affected, who live within a 500-meter radius around the bomb site, where a 500-kilogramme British bomb from World War II was discovered. Previously, a wall of large sandbags had already been built at the site. With this measure, the evacuation radius can be limited to 500 meters. Due to the location of the World War II bomb, this would otherwise be significantly larger, which Fire Department and Bomb Disposal Services want to avoid.
The unexploded British bomb, which did not explode over Mainz after being dropped, was discovered during construction work near an old Jewish cemetery. The fuse is reportedly still intact and difficult to access. Over 300 forces of the Fire Department and Civil Protection, as well as the Police, are involved in the operation.
Restrictions also in public transportation
Areas in the densely populated Mainz neighborhoods Hartenberg-Münchfeld and Neustadt are affected by the evacuation action. The main train station is located outside the security zone, but passengers must expect significant restrictions in public transportation and the operation of Deutsche Bahn.
According to the Rhineland-Palatinate Transport Association (OPNV), "around 11.00 AM, train traffic around Mainz will be completely stopped". The population is urged to widely avoid the evacuation area and the Alt- and Neustadt.
According to the Mainz Transport Company, the bus stops Lessingstraße, Goethestraße and Goetheplatz, the stops Hindenburgplatz to Bismarckplatz, King-Park-Center/Bruchwegstadion, SWR – Südwestrundfunk, Am Judensand, Hartenbergpark and Ketteler-Kolleg will not be available during the evacuation.
The signaling station Mombach of the German Railways must be closed from around 11.30 AM, a spokeswoman announced.
It was still unclear in the morning how long everything would take. "It is still unclear when the disposal will begin and how long the Bomb Disposal Services will need", said the city spokeswoman. The population is asked to observe the known media and pay attention to loudspeaker announcements. The city is organizing transportation and temporary accommodation for those in need.
Communication from the City of Mainz
- The evacuation in Rhineland-Palatinate's Mainz, affecting over 10,000 residents, is due to a World War II bomb discovered near an old Jewish cemetery.
- The Consequences of war continue to surface, with the Fire Department and Bomb Disposal Services working together to defuse a 500-kilogramme British bomb found during construction work.
- The operational plan includes patrolling the area around 9:00 AM and only beginning preparations once the site is secured.
- Emergencies like these can cause significant disruptions, including roadblocks and restrictions in public transportation, such as Deutsche Bahn and local bus routes in Hartenberg-Münchfeld and Neustadt.
- The Fire Department, Civil Protection, and Police have mobilized over 300 forces to manage the situation, with many areas advice to avoid due to safety concerns.
- According to German Railways, the signaling station Mombach must be closed as a precaution, adding to the impact of the Second World War bomb find on transportation infrastructure in Mainz.
