Latest news with #Cologne
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Major evacuation in Cologne after second world war bombs discovered
The biggest evacuation in Cologne since the second world war is under way after the discovery of three unexploded bombs dropped by allies 80 years ago, causing major disruption to the western German city. About 20,000 people are having to leave their homes and businesses, hotels, a care home for elderly people and a hospital are being forced to evacuate. Three bridges over the river Rhein have been closed and rail traffic has been halted or diverted. Numerous schools, kindergartens, museums and the tram network, as well as the home of the city's philharmonic orchestra, have had to close after the entire old town was brought to a halt. Major broadcaster RTL had to shift its news programmes to studios in Berlin, as its building sits inside the evacuated area of about 1,000 metres in radius. Several programmes that were due to be transmitted live had to be recorded instead, the broadcaster said. The bombs are due to be defused on Wednesday morning. They are US-produced bombs, two are 20 tons and one 10 tons, all of which were discovered on Monday on the right bank of the Rhein during building works near the Deutz ship works. All three are equipped with impact fuzes intended to cause detonation on contact with a hard surface. Volunteers, police and other city authorities will carry out a round of checks ringing on doorbells, calling through letter boxes, and gathering information from residents about their neighbours on Wednesday morning, before attempts to defuse the bombs can start. Police have said they have the authority to use force to remove anyone who refuses to leave voluntarily. Locals can call a hotline or refer to a website for advice. Tents and other facilities such as sport halls and churches outside the evacuated area will be open to provide people with food, refreshments and support, city authorities said. Eighty years after the end of the second world war, such finds are still not unusual in Cologne, which was among Germany's most heavily bombed cities during the conflict. It was hit in 262 air raids carried out by the RAF, sometimes using US-produced bombs, especially towards the end of the conflict. About 20,000 people were killed in the bombing raids. On the night of 30 May 1942, the city was the target of the Royal Air Force's first 'thousand-bomber raid' on a German city. More than 1,000 aircraft were dispatched, flying in a narrow 'bomber stream' formation, the density of which had the effect of overwhelming German radar and defences. On this single night, 868 bombers attacked the city with 1,455 tons of bombs in what was known as Operation Millennium. It is not yet known when the bombs currently awaiting defusing were dropped.
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Suicide pod activist takes his own life after being arrested for murder of woman who used the Sarco pod he promoted
A euthanasia advocate who was quizzed by murder detectives after the death of a woman using a controversial Sarco euthanasia pod has died by assisted suicide, it was announced yesterday. Dr Florian Willet, 47, was arrested in September 2024 following the death of the 64-year-old woman after police claimed there were strangulation marks on her neck. He was the only person present for the death of the woman, who was the first person to use the Sarco suicide device, which had been set up in a forest near Merishausen, Switzerland. Dr Willet was held when police arrived at the scene and he remained in custody for 70 days as investigators probed the circumstances surrounding the death. The public prosecutor said that there had been a 'strong suspicion' that 'intentional homicide' had been at play. But these accusations were said to have such a traumatic effect on the author and activist that he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital twice before his death on May 5. Exit International Director Dr Philip Nitschke, who invented the Sarco pod, wrote yesterday: 'When Florian was released suddenly and unexpectedly from pre-trial detention in early December 2024, he was a changed man. 'Gone was his warm smile and self-confidence. In its place was a man who seemed deeply traumatized by the experience of incarceration and the wrongful accusation of strangulation.' Dr Nitschke told Dutch news outlet Volkskrant that Dr Willet died last month in Cologne 'with the help of a specialized organization'. In Dr Willet's obituary, which yesterday announced his death, Dr Nitschke revealed that the 47-year-old had 'fallen' from the third floor of his property in Zurich earlier this year, causing him 'serious damage'. Dr Nitschke said he was fully assessed by a psychiatric team during his three-month recovery, who said Dr Willet had developed 'an acute polymorphic psychotic disorder'. He says this had been brought on 'following the stress of pre-trial detention and the associated processes'. Dr Nitschke added: 'No one was surprised. Florian's spirit was broken. He knew that he did nothing illegal or wrong, but his belief in the rule of law in Switzerland was in tatters. 'In the final months of his life, Dr Florian Willet shouldered more than any man should.' Dr Willet had informed Swiss authorities after the woman's death and they quickly descended on the forest. Police discovered the woman's lifeless body inside the pod and arrested several people. Dr Willet was detained with two lawyers and a Volkskrant photographer who had been taking pictures of the pod and documented the woman arriving in the woodland. The public prosecutor in the Schaffhausen canton said that Sarco's creators had been warned not to use the device in the region, but that the warning had not been heeded. 'We warned them in writing,' prosecutor Peter Sticher said in September. 'We said that if they came to Schaffhausen and used Sarco, they would face criminal consequences.' Dr Willet described the death in the controversial capsule as 'peaceful, fast and dignified'. Following allegations of 'strangle marks' on the first person to use the Sarco, a person close to Swiss Sarco operator The Last Resort said she had previously been diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis. The disease could manifest as an infection of the bone marrow, which could have been responsible for the marks on her neck resembling strangulation marks, the person told Swiss outlet NZZ. The pod is designed so that the push of a button injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber, with the person inside then dying by suffocation within a few minutes. Before his arrest Dr Willet said he had 'considered' suicide at the age of five. His father died by suicide when he was 14 years old and he said he was 'completely fine with it.' He added: 'I was extremely sad because I loved my father. But, I understood immediately my father wanted to do this because he was a rational person, which means that expecting him to remain alive just because I need a father would mean extending his suffering.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Sarco activist dead at 47: Man who was arrested for murder after a woman ended her life in a pod dies by assisted suicide
A euthanasia advocate who was questioned for murder after the death of a woman using a suicide pod last year has died by assisted suicide, it was announced yesterday. Dr Florian Willet, 47, was arrested in September 2024 following the death of a 64-year-old woman using a Sarco suicide pod after she was allegedly found inside with strangulation marks on her neck. He was only person present for the death of the woman, who was the first person to use the nitrogen gas capsule, after it had been set up in a forest near Merishausen, Switzerland. Dr Willet was arrested when police arrived at the scene and he remained in custody for 70 days as investigators probed the circumstances surrounding the death. The public prosecutor said that there had been a 'strong suspicion' that 'intentional homicide' had been at play. But these accusations were said to have such a traumatic effect on the author and activist that he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital twice before his death on May 5. Exit International Director Dr Philip Nitschke, who invented the Sarco pod, wrote yesterday: 'When Florian was released suddenly and unexpectedly from pre-trial detention in early December 2024, he was a changed man. 'Gone was his warm smile and self-confidence. In its place was a man who seemed deeply traumatised by the experience of incarceration and the wrongful accusation of strangulation.' Dr Nitschke told Dutch news outlet Volkskrant that Dr Willet died last month in Cologne 'with the help of a specialized organization'. In Dr Willet's obituary, which yesterday announced his death, Dr Nitschke revealed that the 47-year-old had 'fallen' from the third floor of his property in Zurich earlier this year, causing him 'serious damage'. Dr Nitschke said he was fully assessed by a psychiatric team during his three-month recovery, who said Dr Willet had developed 'an acute polymorphic psychotic disorder'. He says this had been brought on 'following the stress of pre-trial detention and the associated processes'. Dr Nitschke added: 'No one was surprised. Florian's spirit was broken. He knew that he did nothing illegal or wrong, but his belief in the rule of law in Switzerland was in tatters. 'In the final months of his life, Dr Florian Willet shouldered more than any man should.' Dr Willet had informed Swiss authorities after the woman's death and they quickly descended on the forest. Police discovered the woman's lifeless body inside the pod and arrested several people. Dr Willet was detained with two lawyers and a Volkskrant photographer who had been taking pictures of the pod and documented the woman arriving in the woodland. The public prosecutor in the Schaffhausen canton said that Sarco's creators had been warned not to use the device in the region, but that the warning had not been heeded. 'We warned them in writing,' prosecutor Peter Sticher said in September. 'We said that if they came to Schaffhausen and used Sarco, they would face criminal consequences.' Dr Willet described the death in the controversial capsule as 'peaceful, fast and dignified'. The pod is designed so that the push of a button injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber, with the person inside then dying by suffocation within a few minutes. Before his arrest Dr Willet said he had 'considered' suicide at the age of five. His father died by suicide when he was 14 years old and he said he was 'completely fine with it.' He added: 'I was extremely sad because I loved my father. But, I understood immediately my father wanted to do this because he was a rational person, which means that expecting him to remain alive just because I need a father would mean extending his suffering.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116123 or visit
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Topps Launch New Collection Of 308 Stickers For UEFA Women's Euro 2025
COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 15: Detailed view of the Topps and Euro 2024 logo during the UEFA EURO 2024 ... More group stage match between Hungary and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 15, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) England legend Jill Scott has been revealed as a brand ambassador for the new official sticker collection of UEFA Women's Euro 2025, created for the first time by Topps. In her role as Topps ambassador, Scott, a winner with England at the previous UEFA Women's Euro in 2022, appeared at the Fanatics Collectibles store in Regent Street, London, to officially launch the collection, which is now available to buy across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1938, Topps made their name in tbe 1950s by placing baseball cards, featuring player statistics, in packs of chewing gum which fans were encouraged to trade. They entered the United Kingdom market in the 1970s but due to the popularity of stickers in Europe, they released sticker collections for the Premier League under their Merlin brand. In 2021, the Topps brand was acquired by Fanatics, a global digital platform with a database of over 100 million sports fans. Through the platform, supporters can purchase a wide range of sportswear, equipment and memorabilia. LONDON: Jill Scott with an official sticker album for UEFA Women's Euro 2025 In content filmed at the Fanatics Collectibles store, Scott filled out her own album sparking memories of collecting stickers herself as a child. She also picked out her dream 5-a-side team including current superstars Keira Walsh, Aitana Bonmatí and Ewa Pajor. The first sticker collection for a women's soccer tournament was created by Italian firm Panini for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Six years later. the first for a UEFA Women's Euro was released in 2017. Jill Scott was an England player whose sticker was featured in both original collections. SOLIHULL, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Volunteers hand out Panini sticker albums during the WSL 1 match ... More between Birmingham City Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies FC on May 31, 2017 in Solihull, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) In April 2022, ahead of the next Women's Euro, UEFA announced that they had signed a new six-year deal with Topps, ending a forty-two year partnership with Panini who first produced an official sticker album for the men's European Championship back in 1980. The partnership made Topps the new and official licensed partner from 2022 to 2028, providing exclusive stickers, trading cards and collectibles connected to UEFA. 'This is a milestone moment for Topps in our ongoing global expansion as we celebrate our first partnership with Euro in our 70+ year history," said David Leiner, the global general manager of The Topps Company. 'We're thrilled to be the official partner of one of the most esteemed sporting events in the world and we look forward to continuing our mission of bringing collectors and fans of all ages closer to their favorite athletes by providing official stickers, trading cards, collectibles and more, to football fans across the world.' Unfortunately for collectors, the stickers for some countries, like England, France and Germany, will not feature pictures of their players wearing their official national kits. This is because the English, French and German Football Association have their own contracts with Panini, who have launched their own official national team collections in those countries. Nevertheless, the Topps album features 308 stickers - 56 fewer than the official collection for UEFA Women's Euro 2022 - representing each of the 16 competing nations. The England, France and German players are pictured in plain shirts rather than their official national team kit. The campaign will also feature leading names from the women's football world, activating in multiple markets in the run up to the tournament. In addition there will be unique Euro Hotshot, Shining Stars and Euro Legend stickers featuring retired greats like Scott, Alex Popp and Birgit Prinz. 'What interested me in becoming a brand ambassador for Topps and the collection is seeing what they've created in the women's sticker album; the quality of it and how much they're putting into the women's game,' said Scott. 'I open the album and am immediately interested by the facts and learning about the players, there are a lot of players in there that I've played with and, having retired, I'm not as in the know with what's going on – so this is educating me as much as the next generation of fan.' Patrick Rausch, Chief Marketing Officer EMEA of Fanatics Collectibles added that 'Topps is synonymous with the biggest players and moments in football, and we're excited to continue that tradition with our new UEFA Women's Euro 2025 sticker collection.' For more information on the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 collection, visit
Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- General
- Travel Daily News
EASA issues safety bulletin on lithium battery risks in air travel
EASA warns airlines to reinforce passenger communication on lithium battery risks, emphasizing correct handling, storage, and in-flight precautions. COLOGNE – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published a new Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) highlighting the risks to safe air travel which can posed by lithium batteries. The SIB was issued in response to an increased number of safety events involving lithium batteries carried by passengers on board commercial passenger aircraft. This SIB compiles and updates relevant information from other SIBs on lithium batteries, which have been withdrawn. An SIB can be addressed to the airline industry, in this case primarily airlines and other aircraft operators, and highlights a specific new or evolving safety issue. This SIB calls on airlines to extend and reinforce their existing communication to passengers on the restrictions related to lithium battery transport and appeals for the correct behaviours to mitigate the risks. It also reminds of the mandate to train airline and airport staff on the associated risks and to properly communicate dangerous good restrictions to the passengers. 'Smart phones and computers powered by lithium batteries are now an inherent part of our daily lives, and we know that each passenger now takes four to five such items with them on a flight,' said Jesper Rasmussen, Flight Standards Director at EASA. 'Airlines and their ground staff need to make sure passengers know how to travel with these items responsibly. This includes prompting them to think carefully about not packing the devices in their check-in baggage but carrying them on board instead, so that they can be monitored and dealt with if something happens.' Portable electronic devices (PEDs) powered by lithium batteries include a wide range of everyday items, from mobile phones to laptops, and tools (e.g. drill) to drones. Some PEDs, for example scooters, hoverboards, and certain types of drones, are equipped with powerful lithium batteries that are not allowed under the current regulations. Power banks are not classified as PEDs but as spare batteries, and must follow the restrictions that apply to them. Lithium batteries present a safety risk if, for example, they malfunction, there is a mechanical rupture, a short circuit, or they are exposed to heat. The substances contained in the battery then react in an uncontrolled way, rather than gradually releasing their chemical energy in form of current, which is the expected behaviour of a battery. Lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, and/or release toxic smoke. E-cigarettes and power banks are seen as particularly dangerous. They are both forbidden in checked-in luggage, same as spare batteries. Charging e-cigarettes is strictly forbidden. Due to the risk that they pose, power banks should also not be charged or used to charge other items during the flight. In general, batteries with a lower charge pose a lower risk, so it is preferable to carry such items on board at a lower state of charge, and fully charge them again on arrival. The EASA SIB intends to create passenger awareness on the risks posed by PEDs, e-cigarettes, power banks, and other lithium batteries by highlighting the importance of communicating this information to the passengers. It further draws special attention to training ground staff and cabin crews on all aspects of lithium battery risks, including dealing with an overheating battery in-flight, to ensure containment of any fire and mitigate the safety threats. Key points for passenger communication The EASA SIB emphasises the following crucial points for communicating to passengers: E-cigarettes and power banks should be carried where they can be monitored (on the person). If not possible, they must be in carry-on baggage and protected in the same way as described below for spare batteries. PEDs should only be charged through the on-board power supply systems and should be monitored at all times by the passenger. Power banks should not be used to charge PEDs during the flight. When not in use during the flight, PEDs should be protected against damage and unintentional activation. The limitation in watt-hours (Wh) for each PED is 100 Wh and, only with the operator's approval, 160 Wh. The communication should include examples of commonly used devices. Spare batteries, including power banks, and e-cigarettes, when packed in carry-on baggage, should be protected from short circuit (e.g. by carrying them in their original packaging, taping their terminals, and putting them inside a plastic bag or box). They should also be protected from unintentional activation as well as stowed as far as possible within the bag from any other battery and/or potentially flammable item (e.g. perfume). Whereas charging e-cigarettes is forbidden, using or charging power banks is not forbidden but strongly discouraged. Aircraft operators and ground handling service providers should also make passengers aware of the risks caused by PEDs being short-circuited, damaged or caught in the movable part(s) of a seat.
