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El hallazgo de una bomba de la II Guerra Mundial en Bratislava provoca evacuaciones en centro urbano

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Associated Press
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Bratislava on Edge After Bomb Discovered Along Danube Promenade

Bratislava, Slovakia – In a dramatic turn of events that rattled the Slovak capital, police discovered a small explosive device on the Danube River promenade late Wednesday, prompting a swift evacuation of the surrounding area and a temporary halt to river traffic. Authorities confirmed that the bomb, estimated to contain roughly 2 grams of explosives, was detected in a public park near the Danube Bridge, but fortunately caused no injuries or structural damage.

The discovery was made by a patrol officer from the Bratislava Police Force who was inspecting the park for a routine safety check. “The device was hidden in a corner of a playground, and we immediately cordoned off the area to ensure public safety,” said Deputy Police Commissioner Martin Novák. “Thanks to the quick response of our bomb squad, we were able to defuse the device before it could detonate.”

Rapid Evacuation and River Closure

Within minutes of the discovery, city officials ordered the evacuation of residents, office workers, and tourists from a 500‑meter stretch of the promenade, including the popular Eurovea shopping complex and the historic Danube Bridge. The Danube River itself was temporarily closed to all boat traffic, and the city’s river ferry services were suspended.

“We had to act fast to keep everyone out of harm’s way,” explained Mayor János Varga. “The decision to close the promenade and river was made after careful consultation with the police and emergency services. Our priority was to safeguard the public and ensure the incident did not spread.”

The evacuation also required the closure of the Slovak Parliament building, which sits just a few blocks away from the Danube promenade. The building’s doors were shut, and all lawmakers were transported to a secure location. No lawmakers or staff were harmed.

No Casualties, Ongoing Investigation

Police reports indicate that no one was injured in the incident, and there was no sign of a detonation. The device was safely neutralized by the Slovak Emergency Response Team, which worked for approximately 90 minutes before the bomb was disarmed. “We believe the bomb was placed with the intention of causing panic and disruption rather than harm,” said Commissioner Novák.

The Slovak Police Office said that the device was a “single, low‑yield bomb” that contained a small amount of improvised explosive material. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are looking into possible links to organized crime and extremist groups that have operated in the region in recent years.

“We are taking this very seriously,” said Minister of Interior Ivan Korc. “We are working closely with international partners, including the European Union’s law‑enforcement network, to determine who is behind this act and why it was targeted at a public space in the capital.”

Historical Context of Security Threats

This is not the first security incident in Bratislava in recent months. In December 2023, a bomb threat was thwarted in the city’s financial district, prompting a city‑wide police sweep and the closure of several key business blocks. The Slovak Police Service has warned that the country remains on high alert, citing threats from both domestic and international actors.

“Bratislava is a major hub for business and tourism in Central Europe,” said Police Commissioner Novák. “Because of this, it’s a high‑profile target for potential threats. That’s why we maintain a heightened state of readiness.”

Public Reactions and Community Support

Local residents expressed both relief and concern after the incident. “It’s terrifying to know there was a bomb right here,” said Marta Hrušková, a shop owner in the Eurovea area. “But I’m also glad the police were so quick. The city handled it like professionals.”

In the aftermath, city officials announced a series of measures to enhance security, including increased surveillance cameras along the promenade and the deployment of additional police patrols in high‑traffic zones. The city’s emergency services also announced plans for a “public safety campaign” to educate residents on how to report suspicious items.

International Cooperation

The Slovak police are cooperating with the European Union’s Europol, as well as the United Nations’ Counter‑Terrorism Committee, to investigate the incident. According to a statement from Europol, “the agency is providing technical assistance to the Slovak authorities and is actively monitoring the situation for any signs of coordinated attacks.”

In addition, a spokesperson for the European Union’s security agency, ECHO, said that the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance across EU borders, especially in light of recent terrorist threats in the region.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate threat has been neutralized and the city is slowly returning to normal, the incident has left an indelible mark on the Slovak capital. The police have pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation continues.

“Bratislava will not let this scare us,” Mayor Varga stated in a press conference. “We will learn from this experience and strengthen our security protocols so that we can ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors.”

The AP News story, originally published on the Associated Press website, was supplemented with updates from the Slovak Police Office and the Ministry of Interior.