Borgsdorf residents evacuated for WWII munitions disposal

Approximately 2,800 residents in the Borgsdorf area, located between Berlin and Oranienburg, must be evacuated due to the discovery of World War II munitions in a local forest.

Authorities from the city of Hohen Neuendorf stated that the explosives cannot be safely transported due to their condition and must be destroyed on-site. The controlled detonation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026, between 8:00 and approximately 16:00.

A safety perimeter with a 1,000-meter radius will be established, requiring residents within the zone to vacate their homes. The operation will also result in several road closures, including Berliner Straße, Berliner Chaussee, and Chausseestraße, affecting travel between Oranienburg, Birkenwerder, Lehnitz, and Velten.