Unexploded Ordnance Found in Central Warsaw

5 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Unexploded ordnance Warsaw found during tram works; sappers secured a large shell and police cordoned off Solidarności Avenue for safety.

Unexploded ordnance Warsaw was found on Tuesday morning during tram track replacement on Aleja “Solidarności”. Consequently, police cordoned off the area and military sappers removed the shell.

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Discovery and immediate response

Workers discovered a metal object near building number 101 at around 08:00. Moreover, they suspected it might be an unexploded shell and called emergency services. Therefore, police and city responders arrived quickly. However, officers initially classified the object as an artillery shell. The item measured roughly 60–70 centimetres long and about 30 centimetres in diameter. Consequently, the city closed the avenue and nearby sidewalks near the Orla intersection. In addition, public transport used diversion routes while the authorities acted.

unexploded ordnance Warsaw: sappers secure and remove the shell

Around 13:30 military sappers arrived at the scene. Moreover, police set a safety cordon of roughly 100 metres. Consequently, officers stopped all traffic, including emergency vehicles. In addition, the city deployed extra officers from prevention units to guard the perimeter. Around 14:30 sappers lifted the shell, secured it, and placed it into a military truck. Therefore, they then scanned the tram bed with metal detectors. They searched carefully to find any further dangerous items in the earth. Finally, at about 15:00 the police removed the barriers and reopened the avenue to vehicles and pedestrians. However, the impact on traffic proved significant for commuters. In addition, the temporary closures affected tram schedules across central routes.

Why this matters for residents and expats

Warsaw sits on layers of 20th-century history. Therefore, crews often find wartime ordnance during construction. Moreover, the city grew rapidly after World War II. Consequently, builders sometimes unearth unexploded devices. In addition, the authorities treat such finds as high risk. Therefore, they close roads and create wide safety perimeters. Police and military sappers coordinate closely in such events.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live or work in Poland, follow police orders and avoid crossing cordons. Moreover, carry ID with you such as a passport or PESEL (Polish national identification number). In addition, contact your employer or property manager for instructions. However, do not attempt to move any suspicious object. Therefore, expect delays to trams and buses during such operations. Also, understand local institutions like NFZ (National Health Fund) and ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) only matter later if you need medical help or claim compensation. Finally, remember police can issue a mandat (on-the-spot fine) for ignoring safety orders.

Local officials try to balance public safety with keeping the city moving. Moreover, the fast arrival of sappers shows strong inter-agency coordination. However, such finds remind residents about the hidden costs of rebuilding old infrastructure. In addition, expats should register local contacts and follow municipal alerts. Therefore, keeping apps and local news feeds active helps during sudden closures.

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