9,000 people evacuated – demolition is being prepared
Numerous organizations provide support for evacuation
A further complication was that many older people and those with limited mobility had to leave the restricted area. The German Red Cross (DRK) was responsible for coordinating the patient transport, but other aid organizations such as the Johanniter Unfallhilfe were also involved. The ambulance transports have been in continuous operation since 8 a.m., said the civil protection officer for the Mitte district, Konstantin Keesmann.
“We’re done now. The area is safe so far,” said a spokesman for the Berlin police early Monday afternoon. “Our demolition experts are now working on the bomb, digging the relief trenches and filling the water cushions so that we can direct the detonation into the ground in a controlled manner.” But that will still take some time. The controlled detonation of the World War II bomb is expected in the afternoon. The Mitte district office offers collective accommodation for those affected.
Major disruptions are also to be expected in S-Bahn traffic. Traffic on the Ringbahn (S41/S42) between the Beusselstraße and Westend stations has been interrupted since around 11 a.m. The Mitte district office recommends driving around the area extensively.
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) also pointed out on Monday that the three bus lines M27, 106 and 123 were also affected. According to the information, the M27 will be diverted in both directions between the Rathaus Tiergarten and Goslarer Platz stops. Lines 106 and 123 can run on their usual routes, but do not stop at the Wittstocker Straße stop.
A hotline has been set up for residents and those affected. The number is (030) 9018-46660.