As of: October 13, 2024 9:47 a.m
Three unexploded bombs were detonated in a controlled manner on the Schützenplatz in Göttingen on Saturday afternoon. According to the city, they could not be defused. The restricted area was opened in the evening.
The unexploded bombs were three ten-hundred-pound bombs from the Second World War. Two were therefore close to each other and therefore developed a high explosive power. No one was injured in the explosion, the city announced in the evening. However, there was damage to the roof of the nearby rifle house.
City speaks of a “very violent” detonation
At 4:45 p.m. the unexploded bombs were detonated almost simultaneously. The explosion could be heard throughout the city, NDR reporters reported on site. The city of Göttingen spoke of a “very violent” detonation. The restricted area was reopened shortly after 6 p.m. The residents of Weststadt were then able to return to their apartments. Exploration teams had previously checked the area for possible danger spots after the blast.
Almost 11,000 people had to leave their homes
According to the information, three demolition experts were on duty. They were supported by two ammunition specialists. Because of the sounding and subsequent detonation of the bombs, almost 11,000 residents had to leave their homes early in the morning. The operation of the explosive ordnance disposal officers was interrupted several times: people were illegally in the evacuation area and were taken out by the police. According to officials, 33 administrative offenses were imposed and two people were taken into custody.
Rail traffic also affected by bomb disposal
Train traffic was also affected by the explosion on Saturday: long-distance trains bypassed the city, resulting in minor delays. Instead of regional trains, rail replacement services were used. The buses headed for Albaniplatz near the city center and from there went to the nearest train station outside the city.
Container castle for explosive ordnance disposal
For Göttingen it was the sixth major bomb disposal within five years. Unlike usual, the points were very close to an arena and the basketball center. In order to keep the damage to the surrounding buildings as low as possible, containers filled with water and stacked on top of each other were once again placed around the suspected points. During preparation for the operation, the groundwater around the points was also lowered so that the explosive ordnance experts could better examine them.
According to the city, a “container castle” made of a total of nine overseas containers was built next to the arena’s main entrance. These therefore served as a security measure for the explosive ordnance disposal officers. According to the information, the entire operation was coordinated from there and the detonation of the three unexploded bombs was also initiated.
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