Untended bags sparking police intervention at the central station
On October 31, 2024, an unexpected event unfolded at Halle (Saale) Central Station. At 08:17, a black-gray backpack was discovered on Track 10, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
The Federal Police were swiftly notified, and a bomb disposal team was dispatched to the scene. They arrived at 08:59 and, after a thorough examination, gave the all-clear at 09:30. The backpack was found to contain various food items and documents with the name of a 34-year-old German.
However, the person who left the backpack remains unidentified. A 38-year-old Syrian who was located nearby denied ownership and provided conflicting information about the luggage.
In a separate incident, a lilac hard-shell suitcase was found under a seating area in the West Hall at 22:36. The owner of this suitcase also remains unknown.
The authorities urge travelers to keep their luggage in sight at all times to prevent such incidents and the potential disruptions they can cause. Significant delays occurred as a result of these interventions, with ten trains experiencing a total delay of 32 minutes. Negligence can lead to theft, and in this case, it resulted in temporary disruptions for others.
The bomb disposal team later confirmed that the lilac-colored hard plastic luggage, which was left in the west hall earlier in the day, was safe and empty. It was subsequently handed over to the Deutsche Bahn lost and found office.
The area was closed at 21:50 and reopened at 23:40 with no further disruptions to train traffic. For more information about the Federal Police, you can visit their website at http://www.bundespolizei.de or contact the Federal Police Inspectorate Magdeburg at +49 (0) 391-56549-505 or via email at [email protected]. The Federal Police can also be reached on Twitter at @bpol_pir.
It is essential to remember that such incidents highlight the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to securing one's belongings, especially in public places. Let's all do our part to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience for everyone.
