What Happened When a WWII Bomb Was Defused in Hong Kong?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic operation, the Hong Kong Police Force defused an unexploded World War II bomb, ensuring the safety of thousands. This event highlights the persistent dangers of historical ammunition and the need for vigilance in urban areas.
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong Police successfully defused a WWII bomb.
- Approximately 6,000 residents were evacuated for safety.
- The bomb weighed around 1,000 pounds.
- Authorities confirmed the presence of wartime ammunition in Greece.
- Public safety was prioritized during the operation.
Hong Kong, September 20 (NationPress) - Early Saturday morning, the Hong Kong Police Force successfully neutralized an unexploded World War II bomb found at a construction site in the Eastern District, as outlined in a police briefing.
Authorities confirmed that the area and its vicinity are now secure, allowing evacuated residents to return home, while all previously blocked roads have been reopened.
Despite inclement weather causing delays, police executed a high-stakes operation to create a hole in the bomb's casing and incinerate the 500-pound TNT explosives contained within. Suryanto Chin-chiu, a senior officer from the explosive ordnance disposal bureau, highlighted the operation's critical nature due to the bomb's potential threat.
To safely dispose of the aerial bomb, measuring 1.5 meters in length and weighing approximately 1,000 pounds, authorities evacuated around 6,000 individuals from nearby buildings by 11 PM on Friday, according to Xinhua. Many evacuees spent the night in community centers, receiving support from care teams and members of the District Council.
In a related incident, it was reported that an explosion in Tsotyli, northern Greece, injured two men on Friday due to a World War II shell, as stated by Greek state broadcaster ERT.
The explosion occurred around 11:30 AM local time at an earthmoving machinery yard, resulting in severe injuries to a 54-year-old man and a 45-year-old man.
The older victim, suffering from critical injuries including severe burns and partial amputations, was transferred to Hippocrates Hospital in Thessaloniki. The second man underwent orthopedic surgery at Mamatseio Hospital in Kozani and will remain under observation.
Army bomb disposal experts assessed the site post-explosion and confirmed the presence of ammunition fragments, indicating the device was indeed a wartime shell, as reported by ERT. Authorities have since cordoned off the area as investigations continue.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the effective response of the Hong Kong Police in ensuring public safety during this potentially catastrophic event. The successful defusal of the bomb not only safeguarded lives but also reinforces the importance of preparedness against historical remnants of war.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the weight of the WWII bomb defused in Hong Kong?
The bomb weighed approximately 1,000 pounds.
How many people were evacuated during the operation?
Around 6,000 residents were evacuated from the area.
What was done with the explosives inside the bomb?
Police created a hole in the bomb's shell and burned the 500 pounds of TNT explosives inside.
What did authorities confirm after the explosion in Greece?
Army bomb disposal experts confirmed the presence of ammunition fragments, indicating it was a wartime shell.
How did the police ensure safety during the operation?
The police evacuated nearby residents and secured the area before proceeding with the defusal.
