17. April, Summary information on the successfully detonated world war bomb
World War II bomb in the Rastatt industrial area was successfully detonated/Mayor Monika Müller thanks emergency services and local residents
A big sigh of relief on Tuesday evening in Rastatt: The world war bomb discovered in the industrial area in the morning was successfully detonated at around 7.30 pm. After another inspection by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service to ensure that the bomb had been completely detonated, all road closures except for the K3716 were lifted a short time later. Mayor Monika Müller thanked all those involved from the police, fire department, DRK, THW, the district, the city administration and the local administration of Rauental. "Many thanks to everyone who helped to ensure that the population was protected and well looked after. I would especially like to thank the team from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service, who carried out the blasting of the bomb professionally and smoothly at the risk of their own lives."
The bomb, weighing around 250 kilograms, was discovered on Tuesday morning on the K3716 between the B462 and the Bauhaus traffic circle. The area within a radius of 500 meters around the discovery site was evacuated and initial road closures were introduced. However, further investigation of the bomb in the afternoon revealed that the bomb not only had to be defused, but also detonated on site. The area was then evacuated within a radius of 1,000 meters. In addition, the highway and the Rhine Valley railroad had to be closed for several hours.
In the evening, Rastatt's mayor thanked all those affected and road users for their understanding and patience. "I am glad that the evacuation went smoothly and that all residents were able to return to their homes in the evening," said Müller.
Update April 16, 7:30 p.m
As the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service has just announced, the World War II bomb was successfully detonated. All closures can therefore be lifted - except for the closure of the K3716 between the B462 and the Bauhaus traffic circle. The evacuation measures have also been completed.
Update April 16, 7:20 p.m
Evacuation completed/World War II bomb in Rastatt industrial area can be detonated
Preparations have been completed for the detonation of the approximately 250 kilogram world war bomb that was discovered in the Rastatt industrial area on the K3716 on Tuesday, April 16. All residents were successfully evacuated. Around 120 people were accommodated in the Oberwaldhalle in Rauental, which had been set up by the city of Rastatt. After the police flew over the area again with a helicopter and thermal imaging camera and signaled that, according to their findings, there were no more people in the restricted area, the blasting can now be initiated.
The explosive ordnance disposal service filled the four-metre-deep pit containing the uncovered bomb with almost 40 tons of sand. In addition, a plastic tank filled with 20,000 liters of water was placed over the sand surface. Both are intended to reduce the heat and kinetic energy in order to minimize possible damage during the detonation. However, due to the amount of explosives required, the blast will be audible far beyond the restricted area.
As soon as the explosive ordnance disposal service has checked the bomb again after detonation, the closures can be lifted and residents can return to their homes. An exact time cannot yet be determined, but it can be assumed that the operation will be completed before nightfall.
Update April 16, 3 p.m
World War II bomb in Rastatt industrial area must be detonated/evacuation extended
The investigation of the World War II bomb by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service on Tuesday afternoon, April 16, has revealed that the bomb cannot simply be defused, but must be detonated. Due to this measure, the area around the site of the discovery must be evacuated within a radius of 1000 meters. Residents of Rauental and other companies in Rastatt's industrial area are now also affected. The A5 highway, the K3716 and the B462 will remain closed until further notice. In addition, the federal police are currently organizing the closure of the railroad line.
Note to affected residents: urgently needed medication, medical supplies and baby food should be taken with you.
Update April 16, 2 p.m
Bomb in Rastatt industrial area is defused/ highway is closed for a short time
Following the discovery of a 250-kilogram World War II bomb on Tuesday, April 16, in the Rastatt industrial area on the K3716 between the B462 and the Bauhaus traffic circle, the police and fire department completely evacuated the area within a radius of 500 meters around the site by 1:45 pm. As the bomb has to be defused quickly and on site according to the experts from the explosive ordnance disposal team in Stuttgart, the Autobahn 5 near Rastatt will be completely closed for around half an hour from 2 p.m., as will the airspace. The K3716 and the B462 will also remain closed for this period.
As soon as the measures have been completed, those affected by the evacuation can return to their buildings. There are currently around 70 people in the Oberwaldhalle in Rauental, which has been set up as a contact point and is being looked after by the DRK.
16. April, 11.55 a.m
On Tuesday morning, April 16, a World War II bomb weighing around 250 kilograms was discovered in the Rastatt industrial area on the K3716 between the B462 and the Bauhaus traffic circle. Specialists from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service have since examined the explosive device. The bomb must therefore be defused.
In this context, various barriers have been set up within a radius of 500 meters around the site of the discovery. Traffic has already been stopped on the nearby K3716. From 12 noon, the highway access roads in Rastatt-Nord and the B462 will also be closed. Furthermore, extensive evacuation measures are currently being carried out.
Those affected are informed. The contact point for this is the Oberwaldhalle Rauental, Am Vogelsand 40.
Employees of the city of Rastatt and the German Red Cross have set up a collection point there for those affected. The German Red Cross can be contacted on 0152/04380011 for stretcher transportation, for example.
In addition, the city of Rastatt has set up a citizens' hotline for the evacuation following the discovery of the bomb. There is an announcement on 07222 972-7995, which those affected can use to find out about the further procedure.