Bomb found

Bomb alarm at Styrian Jehovah’s Witnesses

Bomb alert at Styrian Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalsdorf

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz, Krone KREATIV)

Bomb alert at the Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalsdorf in Styria! On Friday evening, a suspicious package was found in the entrance area. As was confirmed on Saturday afternoon, it was a functioning explosive device.

This news brings back terrible memories of last summer's attack at the Jehovah's Witnesses in Leibnitz, when explosive devices attached to two cars detonated during and after a prayer session: According to Markus Lamb, press spokesman for the provincial police headquarters on Holy Saturday, a report was filed on Friday evening at around 8.30 pm. A suspicious, large, box-like package was found in the entrance area of the religious community in Kalsdorf. 

A major alarm was sounded, the area was cordoned off and around 50 residents were evacuated, as the worst had to be assumed. After initial inspections, it could not be ruled out that it was a bomb.

Bomb alert at Styrian Jehovah's Witnesses in Kalsdorf

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz, Krone KREATIV)

Explosives experts, sniffer dogs and the riot unit were called in. As suspicions grew that it might actually be a bomb - the contents resembled those of an explosive device due to wiring - the defusing service of the Special Forces Directorate was called in. X-ray machines and robots were used to examine the object. It quickly became clear: the object had to go!

Highest security level activated
A special four-tonne piece of equipment from Vienna - which was unveiled by the police last year at Easter of all times - was therefore requested to remove the questionable package.

On Saturday, the package was examined in detail at a secure location - and in the afternoon, confirmation was received: It was indeed a functioning explosive device! However, details of the construction, the explosive used or the quantity of the explosive are still deliberately not being disclosed for reasons of criminal tactics.

The four-ton device used by the Viennese defusing service

(Bild: BMI/Jürgen Makowecz)

"Nobody knew what was going on"
A connection with the explosion last summer cannot be ruled out. The security measures for all Jehovah's Witnesses facilities have been raised to the highest level. "If anyone notices anything remotely suspicious, please don't hesitate and call 133 immediately!" appeals Lamb.

The residents around the house of prayer are naturally in shock. Only a few want to talk about what happened, and if they do, only anonymously. The fear is too great. Mayor and former deputy police director Manfred Komericky was on site that night and praises the professional actions of the police (see video). "We were asked not to leave our apartments and houses. Nobody knew what was going on, it was frightening," says one resident, describing the anxious hours.

In addition to the already increased presence over the Easter holidays, additional protective measures were also arranged for all Jehovah's Witness properties. The police are raising awareness in this regard and request that any suspicious perceptions or objects be reported immediately via emergency number 133.

Polizei-Sprecher Markus Lamb

"As a religious community, we are above all glad that no one has been harmed and are grateful that the police are taking this so seriously. We are now providing pastoral care to all those affected by our faith community who were on site yesterday," says Jehovah's Witnesses spokesman Markus Kakavis in an interview with the "Krone" newspaper.