In Cologne, Germany, three unexploded U.S. bombs from World War II were successfully defused after the largest evacuation since the war. Over 20,000 residents were forced to leave their homes, hotels, schools, and hospitals when the bombs were discovered during road work. Although bomb discoveries are common in Germany, this incident occurred in a notably high-profile area adjacent to the historic center. The defusal took about an hour, but evacuation efforts were momentarily hindered by one resident's refusal to leave, illustrating the challenges of such operations.
More than 20,000 residents were evacuated from the city center after the bombs were unearthed during road construction; the largest evacuation since the end of World War II.
The location of the bombs was considered unusual, being just across the Rhine River from Cologne's historic center, prompting significant precautionary measures.
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