A major security operation is underway in the heart of the German capital after construction workers made a startling discovery: a 500-kilogram unexploded bomb from the Second World War.
The dangerous relic, believed to be an Allied ordnance, was unearthed near Berlin's bustling central railway station, an area now densely populated and a key transport hub.
In a meticulously planned operation, authorities have cordoned off a vast exclusion zone spanning a 1,000-metre radius. Police are going door-to-door to ensure over 3,000 residents and office workers are safely evacuated from their homes and workplaces.
A Delicate and Dangerous Operation
Specialist bomb disposal units have been deployed to the scene to assess and ultimately defuse the unstable explosive. "The bomb must be defused, there is no alternative," a police spokesperson stated, highlighting the immense risk it poses to public safety.
Such discoveries are a chillingly common legacy of the extensive Allied bombing campaigns over Berlin during the war. Despite the decades that have passed, these devices remain highly volatile and capable of causing catastrophic damage if detonated.
Community Response and Disruption
The evacuation has caused significant disruption. Local authorities have set up a temporary rest centre at a nearby concert hall to accommodate displaced residents while the bomb squad carries out its perilous work.
Public transport services, including regional and long-distance trains, have been severely affected, with multiple lines suspended until the all-clear is given. The operation serves as a powerful reminder of how the shadows of history can still intrude upon modern European life, demanding respect and expert handling.
