A 250-kilogram Second World War aerial bomb was discovered during construction work in Kiel's Suchsdorf district. It is scheduled for defusal on Sunday, March 15, 2026, requiring the evacuation of about 4,745 residents in Kiel and 701 in neighboring Kronshagen. Police advise preparing for several hours away from home.
During operations by a civilian ordnance disposal service near the Christian-Albrechts-Universität (CAU) in Kiel's Suchsdorf district, a 250-kilogram American aerial bomb from the Second World War was found. This marks the first such discovery in Kiel in 2026, according to police. The bomb is set to be defused by the ordnance disposal team on Sunday morning, March 15.
In total, more than 5,000 people are affected: In Kiel, 4,745 individuals from 2,852 households must leave their homes by 10 a.m. In neighboring Kronshagen (Rendsburg-Eckernförde district), 701 people from 187 households will be evacuated. The evacuation zone covers 988 buildings and 20 allotment gardens. A restricted area with a radius of about 1,000 meters will be established.
For residents without alternative accommodation, the Ernst-Barlach-Gymnasium at Charles-Roß-Ring 53 opens at 9 a.m. Those needing assistance to leave their homes can call the Kiel professional fire department's service line at 0431/5905-555, available Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. onward.
Road closures affect the B76 (Olof-Palme-Damm) between the Kiel-Holsteinknoten and Steenbeker Weg exits. Steenbeker Weg will be closed between the B76 exit and Projensdorfer Straße but remains drivable toward Eckernförder Straße. Eckernförder Straße stays open in both directions. Rail services between Kiel and Eckernförde are unaffected.
The duration of the defusal is unclear; residents should prepare for several hours and bring food, drinks, and medications. From Wednesday, Kiel city will distribute multilingual flyers and urges informing non-German speakers. Further details are on the city website and KVG site for public transport changes.
