UK: WWII Bomb Evacuates City, Sparks Dramatic Disposal

Plymouth, UK: A massive World War Two bomb, weighing 500kg (1,102lb), has finally been detonated at sea after causing significant disruption for thousands of residents in Plymouth, England.

The unexploded device was discovered in a garden on Tuesday, sparking a four-day ordeal for the city. On Friday, authorities implemented a large-scale operation to safely dispose of the bomb.

Evacuation and Transportation:

• To ensure public safety, a 300-meter cordon was established around the bomb site in Keyham.
• This zone encompassed approximately 10,320 residents and 4,300 properties, requiring residents to evacuate their homes for several hours.
• Roads were closed, and rail and bus services were halted as the bomb was carefully transported through the city in a military convoy.

Detonation and Relief:

• The bomb was transported 1.4 miles (2.3km) to a designated location beyond the breakwater before being detonated at 9:51 PM GMT.
• The Ministry of Defence described the evacuation as one of the largest since the end of World War Two, highlighting the complexity and potential danger of the situation.

End of Disruption:

• Following the successful detonation, the cordon was lifted shortly after 5:30 PM, allowing residents to return home and normalcy to gradually resume in Plymouth.