A World War 2 bomb weighing 250kg was safely detonated in Plymouth after residents were evacuated from their homes and schools closed. The controlled explosion took place in Southway at a building site where the bomb was discovered, causing a loud bang and smoke in the air.
Bomb disposal experts from the Royal Navy and Army deemed the German air-dropped weapon unsafe to move, necessitating the detonation. Precautionary measures were taken, including piling sand around the device to minimize shrapnel spread. Evacuation efforts involved over 1,200 households within a 400-meter safety cordon, with displaced residents offered shelter at the Southway Community Centre.
Plymouth City Council emphasized the importance of the evacuation for safety reasons, urging cooperation from the public. Chief Inspector Paul Laity from Devon and Cornwall Police reiterated the need for compliance with the evacuation orders until the area was deemed safe by armed forces specialists.
After the successful detonation, safety inspections were initiated due to debris, prolonging the cordon’s closure until the area was thoroughly assessed for safety. Residents were advised to keep an eye on updates for clearance to return home, emphasizing the priority of protecting lives and property.
