More than 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Kiel, Germany, on Sunday after authorities discovered an unexploded American bomb dating back to World War II.
The 250-kilogram aerial bomb was found about four meters underground on Insterburger Street in the Dietrichsdorf district. Authorities said the bomb was equipped with an impact fuse and required a large safety zone before specialists could begin working on it.
A total of 5,235 residents from approximately 2,580 households were ordered to leave the area by 2 p.m. Sunday. Roads surrounding the evacuation zone were closed, and emergency crews assisted residents who needed help leaving their homes.
For people who had nowhere else to go, authorities opened a temporary shelter at the Andreas-Gayk School.
The disposal operation was delayed because some residents were still inside the restricted area after the evacuation deadline. Bomb disposal specialists were eventually able to begin their work at around 3:30 p.m.
Authorities later confirmed that the bomb was successfully defused. Specialists removed the fuse, police lifted the evacuation zone, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.
Unexploded bombs from World War II are still regularly discovered in Germany, particularly during construction projects or surveys of areas that were heavily bombed during the war.
Source: NEXTA
By NJ RADAR Team