Munich once again faces the legacy of the Second World War. During construction work near the Westfriedhof in Moosach, workers uncovered a 500-kilogram aerial bomb buried roughly 1.20 metres below ground. Although experts currently assess the device as stable, the city must prepare for a significant safety operation to allow specialists to defuse it on Sunday, 23 November 2025.
The discovery immediately mobilised the Kampfmittelräumdienst, Bavaria’s bomb disposal unit, which inspected the site and confirmed that a controlled on-site defusing is necessary. While such finds are not uncommon in Munich, the size of this bomb makes the upcoming operation one of the city’s most extensive in recent years.
Evacuation radius set at 700 metres affecting around 7,000 residents
For the defusing to take place safely, a broad evacuation zone with a 700-metre radius has been defined around the discovery site. According to the city, roughly 7,000 residents fall within the perimeter and must leave their homes by 9 a.m. on Sunday.
The Munich Department of Public Order (Kreisverwaltungsreferat) is responsible for coordinating the evacuation, while the fire brigade’s explosives specialists will carry out the technical operation. Preparatory work is already underway, beginning with the placement of large sea containers around the site—a standard safety measure designed to shield buildings and infrastructure in the unlikely event of an explosion.
Over the coming days, all residents in the affected zone will receive official notifications by post, supplemented by information in local media and online platforms. The city has also activated a dedicated hotline to answer questions: (089) 2353-55555.
Residents requiring assistance—particularly those who depend on medical transport—are asked to register in advance by 22 November via (089) 19222 to ensure safe transfer during the evacuation.
Support centre at Moosach Gymnasium and transport disruptions
To accommodate individuals who cannot stay elsewhere during the operation, the city will open a temporary support centre at Gymnasium Moosach. Here, evacuees will find seating, refreshments and assistance until authorities give clearance to return home.
Several public transport lines will be affected on the day of the defusing. The Tram 20 and a number of bus routes that pass through or near the evacuation zone will be suspended. Underground (U-Bahn) and suburban rail (S-Bahn) services will, however, continue running normally, as their routes remain outside the restricted area.
Bomb considered stable but operation remains high priority
Although experts emphasise that the bomb currently poses no immediate danger, a controlled defusing remains essential. Large aerial bombs—particularly those weighing around half a ton—can contain sensitive fuses that become unstable over decades. This makes thorough preparation, a wide safety margin and early communication with residents crucial.
Authorities describe the operation as routine in its technical aspects, yet significant in scale due to the number of people involved. Munich, like many German cities, still uncovers several World War II explosives each year—an enduring reminder of the heavy air raids that shaped the city’s past.
A coordinated effort to ensure safety and minimise disruption
With preparations underway days in advance, city officials aim to reduce uncertainty and ensure a smooth process for all residents. The combination of early communication, support services, and clearly defined safety measures reflects Munich’s established approach to handling such discoveries.
If all goes as planned, experts expect the defusing to proceed on Sunday morning, with residents able to return to their homes soon after authorities confirm that the operation is complete.
