Experts successfully neutralized a massive World War II bomb in Hong Kong’s Quarry Bay, prompting the evacuation of approximately 6,000 residents amid challenging weather conditions.
In a dramatic overnight operation, thousands of residents in Hong Kong were evacuated as experts worked to defuse a massive World War II bomb discovered in the Quarry Bay neighborhood. The nearly five-foot-long, 1,000-pound bomb was unearthed at a construction site early Saturday morning, raising significant safety concerns for the surrounding community.
The U.S.-made bomb, which contained 500 pounds of TNT, was confirmed to date back to World War II by police officials. Andy Chan Tin-Chu, a representative of the Hong Kong police, reported that due to the “exceptionally high risks associated with its disposal,” approximately 1,900 households, involving around 6,000 individuals, were urged to evacuate swiftly.
As the operation unfolded, the Hong Kong Police issued a statement detailing the challenges faced by the bomb disposal team. They worked from around 2 a.m. until nearly noon, braving adverse weather conditions caused by a typhoon. The team successfully neutralized the bomb by 11:48 a.m., ensuring the safety of the public without any reported injuries.
The police emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “Given the high risks involved in the handling of the bomb that officers from our Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau believe to still be in good condition, the Hong Kong Police Force devised the emergency evacuation plan upon the discovery of the bomb.” This plan was implemented to protect residents living near the construction site located at No. 16-94 Pan Hoi Street.
This incident is not the first of its kind in Hong Kong. In 2018, another 1,000-pound World War II bomb was defused at a construction site in the city’s business district, marking the third such discovery that year. The historical context of these findings is significant, as Hong Kong was occupied by Japanese forces during the war and was a target of U.S. air raids.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents have been advised to stay informed about any further developments regarding the bomb disposal and safety measures in the area.
According to the Associated Press, the successful handling of this bomb reinforces the ongoing challenges posed by unexploded ordnance from the war, which remains a concern in various parts of the world.
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