Bratislava evacuates streets after discovery of WWII bomb

In a significant incident in Slovakia's capital, the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb during construction work led to emergency evacuations in downtown Bratislava. This event occurred on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, when officials announced the evacuation measures that affected several blocks around the construction site, including a major bridge that spans the Danube River. This evacuation was executed during the busy morning rush hour, affecting the daily movement of residents and commuters as public transportation services and all traffic came to a standstill. The bomb, weighing 500 pounds, was found on Monday evening, and experts were scheduled to defuse it by midday on the day of the evacuation. The location where the bomb was found had historical significance, as it was previously associated with Allied bombardments during the Second World War. Specifically, an oil refinery near the area was targeted in bomb raids, and it has been reported that several tons of bombs were dropped on the site of the former Apollo refinery in June and September of 1944. Ján Ferér, the head of the bomb disposal unit, noted that the original wartime terrain remains intact and that ongoing construction efforts are now revealing these remnants. This incident in Bratislava is part of a broader pattern in various parts of Europe where unexploded World War II ordnance has been discovered, prompting similar evacuations and emergency measures. In the past months, cities like Dresden, Germany, and Cologne have experienced comparable situations, where large numbers of residents were evacuated to safely defuse bombs unearthed during construction or clearance work. In August, a significant bomb was found in Dresden, leading to evacuations to facilitate its defusal, while in Cologne over 20,000 individuals were evacuated when three unexploded American bombs were located. Slovakia's history during World War II, where it served as a Nazi puppet state, adds a layer of complexity to these discoveries. The persistence of unexploded bombs on the ground poses risks for construction and development, necessitating careful handling by authorities. As construction activities continue, it’s likely that more bombs and munitions from that period will be uncovered, reaffirming the need for vigilance and prompt action in addressing historical remnants that pose threats to public safety.