World War Two-Era German Bomb Discovered and Safely Detonated In Northern Ireland!
A World War II German bomb, discovered in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, was safely detonated after causing mass evacuations in the area. 🌐 #News #Ireland #WorldNews #History
NEWTOWNARDS, NORTHERN IRELAND – Police in Northern Ireland shared a video Wednesday of the controlled explosion of a World War Two-era German bomb discovered last week.
The bomb was discovered in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards, about 10 miles east of Belfast, on Thursday, Aug. 15, and was confirmed to be an air-dropped SC-500 German bomb from World War Two, Police Service of Northern Ireland Ards and North Down District Commander Superintendent Johnston McDowell said in a statement.
A “large number” of homes within about 1300 feet of the bomb were evacuated in preparation for the controlled detonation carried out at around 3:38 p.m. Tuesday by Ammunition Technical Officers.
Despite being around 83 years old, the munition “still posed a significant risk to public safety, even after all this time,” McDowell said. Local police worked “around the clock” to engage with nearby residents who had to be evacuated.
“The disposal team was comprised of members of the Army’s 321 EOD & Search squadron, who alongside the police service led the major operation. They were also assisted by other emergency services and partners, who all provided expert knowledge in managing the high-risk emergency situation,” McDowell said.
The video shows an area of rolling fields surrounding what appears to be a construction or mining site, with mounds of gravel arranged near a portable toilet. Suddenly the bomb detonates, sending a spray of dirt and debris high into the air.
““I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our personnel involved, who worked day and night this week to keep the public safe. The success of this operation is testament to the level of skill our military colleagues have,” McDowell said.
Residents were allowed to return to their homes just a few hours after the detonation, shortly after 6 p.m.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
