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Hong Kong Bomb Squad Successfully Defuses WWII-Era Explosive
A U.S.-made bomb dating back to World War II was safely defused Saturday in Hong Kong after its discovery at a Quarry Bay construction site prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents. The 1,000-pound bomb, measuring nearly five feet in length, was found by construction workers in the bustling business and residential district.
Police official Andy Chan Tin-Chu confirmed the bomb’s WWII origins and highlighted the significant risks involved in its disposal, which necessitated the evacuation of approximately 6,000 people from 1,900 households. The delicate operation began late Friday and concluded around 11:30 a.m. Saturday without incident.
The discovery of unexploded WWII ordnance is not uncommon in Hong Kong, which served as a Japanese military and shipping base during the war and was subjected to numerous Allied air raids. These raids aimed to disrupt Japanese supply lines and infrastructure.
Recent months have seen similar discoveries around the world, highlighting the continuing legacy of WWII. Earlier this month, a 500-pound bomb was unearthed in Slovakia’s capital, triggering evacuations.
August saw large-scale evacuations in Dresden, Germany, for the safe disposal of a WWII bomb. In June, over 20,000 residents were evacuated from Cologne after the discovery of three unexploded American bombs.
Additional discoveries include a bomb near Paris’ Gare du Nord station in March, over 170 bombs near a children’s playground in northern England in February, and a WWII bomb detonation at a Japanese airport in October 2024.