The bomb disposal service warns against touching suspicious finds near bodies of water
Low water levels in rivers and lakes are currently causing dangerous remnants from the World Wars to become visible again. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of the State of Hesse, located at the Darmstadt Regional Council, is therefore warning against touching, moving, or taking any unknown objects from or in bodies of water.
Time and again, unexploded ordnance or munitions remnants are uncovered during periods of low water. Many of these finds date back to the Second World War, when bodies of water were sometimes used for the disposal of munitions. Even decades later, these objects can still pose a danger.
“Due to decades of exposure to the elements, the munitions are unpredictable,” explains Alexander Majunke, head of the bomb disposal unit. His urgent appeal: “Never move, touch, or pick up suspicious objects.”
Only the experts from the bomb disposal service can assess whether there is actually a danger. Laypeople cannot reliably evaluate the condition of such objects.
Report suspicious items immediately
Anyone who discovers possible unexploded ordnance or ammunition should keep their distance and report the find. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of the State of Hesse can be reached through the public order office of the respective city or municipality, as well as via the police emergency number 110.
The specialists identify the objects found, secure them, and defuse them on site if necessary. The ordnance is then professionally transported and disposed of.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD) of the state of Hesse is located at the Darmstadt Regional Council and is responsible for the entire state. If a bomb or other unexploded ordnance is found anywhere in Hesse, the service is dispatched from Darmstadt.
In coordination with the police and local authorities, hazardous areas will be cordoned off or evacuated as needed. Depending on the type and location of the find, roads, railway lines, or airspace may also be temporarily affected.
Further information is available from the Darmstadt Regional Council at:
rp-darmstadt.hessen.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
