STUTTGART, Germany — A German construction crew struck an unexploded World War II-era phosphorous bomb during sewer repairs near Florida Strasse on Patch Barracks at approximately 12 p.m., today. A backhoe penetrated the casing of the bomb, releasing some phosphorus vapor. Five construction workers were exposed to the gas and taken to a local hospital for observation. Four Military Police Soldiers who responded to incident were later taken to a local hospital for 24 hours of observation in accordance with brigade policy. They were released without incident.
A German explosive ordnance disposal team arrived on scene and safely removed the bomb by 1 p.m.
Updated (Dec. 13, 3:45 p.m.): Additional information on the MP response.