Controlled explosion in Bernau: 211 mines successfully eliminated!

Controlled explosion in Bernau: 211 mines successfully eliminated!

On July 2, 2025, a spectacular blast in Bernau caused excitement: a total of 211 Soviet mines, which were discovered during construction work on the Schwanebecker Chaussee in May, were successfully blown up with the help of almost 80 volunteers from the volunteer fire brigade, a number of police officers as well as forces of the ordnance disposal service and the city administration. The explosion took place on a site that was once used by the Soviet Army and recalled the legacies of past times. Mayor André Stahl and Barnims District Administrator Daniel Kurth praised the successful and professional implementation of the measure in which all tank defense mines were successfully developed.

In order to guarantee security during the explosion, a blocking circuit of around 400 meters has been set up. Around 250 residents and traders were affected and had to leave their rooms until 8 a.m. Numerous detours were set up for drivers, but the highway remained unaffected. The affected streets included the Schwanebecker Chaussee, Paul-Singer-Straße and Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße. As reported RBB24, there were seven detonations during the explosion, accompanied by a striking column of smoke that rose to the sky.

The explosion in detail

The explosion started on time at 11:17 a.m. The first detonation was on schedule, but the last one was particularly loud because one of the mines was still sharp. All blown -out mines were discovered in May during the construction work at the former Army Clothing Office, where they had remained undetected since the 1990s. After more than 30 years in the soil, many of the ordnance found were difficult to identify through corrosion and incrustations. This illustrates how important a thorough examination and a secure elimination of these contaminated sites are, as described in the Wikipedia.

The entire measure was not a unique event. Mayor Stahl assumes that further missions may be necessary to remove contaminated sites in the future. The city of Bernau provided 23 for eight people who had no accommodation due to the evacuation. A citizens' phone was set up, through which around 50 inquiries received. According to the explosive, the blocking circle was lifted, and the Schwanebecker Chaussee could be released for traffic again.

A look into the future

The city of Bernau continues to plan to have the construction work on the Schwanebecker Chaussee accompanied by a building disposal disposal. This ensures that the security of the citizens will continue to be guaranteed in the future. The cooperation between the various authorities and organizations could be rated as exemplary, which is also reflected in the smooth implementation of the explosion. In a country in which the dealing with the historical legacies of warlike conflicts in recent decades has become more and more in focus, the efficient and secure elimination of the ordnance will remain of great importance.