A 100-kilo Soviet-made aerial explosive – assumed to be harrowing heritage from World War II – has just been found in the Danube in central Budapest. The bomb lies buried deep in the riverbed about 50 metres north the Buda side pillar of the Elizabeth Bridge – according to a report by civil divers who found it while rescuing a car from the river. A minesweeping boat is currently anchored in the Danube and a team of 30 demolition experts are taking part in regular dives to locate the bomb. However, their mission is hindered by the raised water level that has made the Danube deeper than usual, with strong currents and weak visibility. Therefore, the experts are only able to use their hands to grope around, so it is not clear when the bomb will be brought to the surface and defused. Our photographer was on the scene – see the images below:
Once the team of experts have located the bomb, some areas of Districts I., V. and XI. will be evacuated and closed to cars and boat traffic while it is defused and safely transported from the city centre. This afternoon, boats will be stopped between Chain Bridge and a line running from Sörház utca on the Pest side. Closures will affect most quays, squares and side streets around Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge on both the Buda and the Pest sides.
