Authorities have cleared and secured Csörsz Park in Budapest after the discovery of suspected World War II-era ordnance, prompting evacuations in parts of the 12th and 1st districts. The operation underscores the ongoing presence of unexploded remnants from the war in the region.
Police began evacuating the area shortly before 11 a.m. On Friday, February 20, 2026, after receiving a report from the Hungarian Defence Forces’ ordnance disposal unit regarding the potential explosives found during park maintenance. A 100-meter radius around Csörsz Park, encompassing Csörsz Street and Avar Street, was cleared, affecting 88 residents.
A military explosive ordnance disposal team identified a German supply container, a 4-centimeter fragmentation grenade of Hungarian manufacture, a 23-millimeter Russian-made anti-tank grenade, two detonators, and 1.5 kilograms of infantry ammunition. These items have been transported to a central collection point of the Hungarian Defence Forces for eventual disposal, according to reports.
The initial report of a potential explosive device came in on Wednesday, leading to the park’s closure and the subsequent investigation that culminated in Friday’s operation.
