The Rhineland-Palatinate Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the police, and the fire department—all of whom were notified immediately—inspected the bomb and determined that the easily accessible unexploded ordnance still contained an intact fuse and must be defused.

An evacuation will be necessary for the defusing operation; the evacuation radius will be approximately 250 meters from the site where the bomb was found. People in the evacuation zone are asked to have vacated the area by 8 a.m. at the latest on Wednesday morning (June 17, 2026). The defusing process can begin only after the area has been inspected and cleared. The duration of this work cannot be estimated.

Approximately 1,900 people are affected, including the Taubertsbergbad. Flyers will be distributed to all affected households in the course of the evening. Additionally, public address announcements will be made. Emergency shelter will be set up at the Bruchwegstadion.

A map of the evacuation area and a list of affected addresses are attached. For people who need assistance with the evacuation, a citizen hotline has been set up at 06131 12 4634.

The City of Mainz and the Mainz Fire Department are providing ongoing updates on their social media channels, the Mainz Fire Department’s WhatsApp channel, and at https://www.mainz.de/ (opens in a new tab)

Note for media representatives: 

There is a risk to life in the secured area surrounding the discovery site. Therefore, it is not possible to take or obtain any images of the unexploded ordnance.  

On Wednesday, a mobile press center will be set up at the cordoned-off perimeter across from the entrance to Bruchweg Stadium starting at 7:30 a.m. for the duration of the evacuation and defusing operation. Once the defusing operation is complete, photos of the defused bomb with the bomb disposal team will be permitted. 

For press inquiries, please contact the fire department’s press office at 06131-12 4650.