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Rechnitz: Search for Nazi Mass Grave Using Latest Methods from TU Wien

Neueste Methoden der TU Wien kommen bei der Suche nach den NS-Opfern zum Einsatz.
Neueste Methoden der TU Wien kommen bei der Suche nach den NS-Opfern zum Einsatz. ©APA/VEREIN RE.FUGIUS
In Rechnitz (District Oberwart), the search is currently underway again for the mass grave site of the 180 Hungarian-Jewish forced laborers murdered by Nazi officials in 1945. Since October 15, a small-scale excavation has been ongoing to confirm the research results of the Technical University regarding a burial site. A new investigation method, developed as part of a project funded by the state of Burgenland, has been applied, reports the state media service.

The new method allows for a three-dimensional view beneath the earth, independent of the soil's composition, to a depth of more than three meters. The method developed at the Technical University of Vienna targets electromagnetic properties and has so far only been used in the geological field - now it has been applied for the first time in the search for human remains. Last summer, a small area near the Rechnitz Kreuzstadel was examined in this way. According to the experts from the TU, human remains could therefore be located at a depth of 2.5 meters.

Nazi Mass Grave: Further Procedure Dependent on Excavation Results

As part of the excavations, an area of around 100 square meters is currently being dug up and archaeologically examined. Since the site is located directly above a Neolithic circular ditch system, a particularly careful approach is necessary. The excavation is being conducted by the state of Burgenland together with the archaeological company PannArch, is approved by the Federal Monuments Office, and coordinated with the Ministry of the Interior. The responsible rabbinate in the Jewish Community (IKG) Vienna is also involved.

According to the state media service, the excavations will last until the end of the week. The further procedure will then depend on the results.

(APA/Red.)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.

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