Live Updates: Bomb Disposal Operation in Cologne
10:43 Hospital Transfers Resumed
10:43 Patient Transition at Hospital Facility
Am Eduardus Hospital in Deutz, patients are being transferred to other Cologne hospitals as the evacuation process continues. The Medical Director of the hospital, Axel Jubel, assures RTL that everything is running smoothly and in control, with close coordination with the fire department.
10:10 Studio Evacuation
RTL studios are within the evacuation zone, forcing Vanessa Civiello and Jan Malte Andresen to present live up to the last moment before being evacuated. Reporter Jan Heikrodt had to cut his broadcast short.
9:34 Providing Solace for Evacuees
The Gaffel am Dom, a famous brewery in the city, is offering free Wi-Fi and welcome drinks to anyone forced to leave their home or workplace due to the evacuation, as announced via Instagram.
9:02 Nationwide Rail Traffic Disruption
The large-scale evacuation following the discovery of three bombs in Cologne has caused significant disruptions to nationwide rail traffic, with essential routes being affected due to the temporary closure of Rhine bridges.
8:31 Evacuation Underway
The largest evacuation in Cologne since World War II has commenced. Roadblocks are set up in the city center, and officials are checking that all apartments are empty. The duration of the evacuation process is not yet clear.
8:19 Impact on Cultural Scene
Cologne's cultural scene is affected by the evacuation, with institutions like the Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Musical Dome situated within the restricted area. The Philharmonic has canceled a concert, while a performance by comedian Teddy Teclebrhan has been postponed to Sunday.
7:43 Guard and Evacuation Plan
Employees of the Ordnance Office continue to guard the located bomb sites in Deutz. Though the exact starting time for bomb disposal is not determined, officials anticipate it may not begin until the evening, after ensuring all residents have left the safety zone.
7:13 Transportation Disruptions
Cologne Central Station remains accessible, but the Hohenzollern Bridge leading to it is closed, causing significant restrictions in regional and long-distance traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Cologne-Messe/Deutz station is also shut down.
6:44 Broadcasting Adjustments
RTL's headquarters in Cologne-Deutz are affected, with the station planning to broadcast "Punkt 6" and "Punkt 7" live, but "Punkt 8" is cancelled. Various programs will be pre-recorded to ensure a smooth broadcast.
6:23 Impacted Area and Restrictions
The restricted area includes various districts, schools, businesses, event venues, and Rhine bridges that must be closed. Cologne-Messe/Deutz station, the Town Hall, a hospital, and two care homes must also be evacuated.
6:01 Evacuation Plan
A considerable part of Cologne's city center must be closed to accommodate the safety measures needed for the bomb defusal operation. Around 20,000 people are required to relocate in a 1,000-meter radius from the bomb site before experts can begin their work. Roadblocks will be set up at 8 am, and checks may take hours due to the massive evacuation.
Sources:1. https://www.dw.com/en/operation- shield-ronin-to-begin-at-any-moment-in-cologne/a-574237422. https://www.thelocal.de/20250603/massive-evacuation-takes-place-in-cologne-after-us-war-bombs-discovered3. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/03/cologne-world-war-ii-bombs-germany-evacuation-disruption
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated community policy regarding emergencies, particularly in light of the ongoing bomb disposal operation in Cologne. In the spirit of health-and-wellness and community support, the Gaffel am Dom offers free Wi-FI and welcome drinks to anyone affected by the evacuation, providing a temporary haven for their vocational training needs, such as the facilitation of remote work and virtual learning opportunities during this challenging time. Science and medical professionals are also advised to consider the potential implications for their field, as the evacuation may temporarily impact hospitals and research centers within the restricted area.
