Unexploded WWII bomb detonated after 1,200 homes evacuated

An unexploded WWII bomb that led to the evacuation of more than 1,200 homes has been detonated.

The device saw a 400-meter cordon set up after it was found on a building site in Southway, Plymouth, Devon, England.

More than 1,200 homes were evacuated while emergency services assessed the device and determined the best course of action.

Evacuated locals were offered alternative accommodation at Southway Community Center.

Bomb disposal experts from the Royal Navy and Army have determined that it is not safe to move the bomb, so the only safe course of action is a controlled explosion where it is in Southway.

The bomb was detonated at around 11:15 a.m. local time Friday.

Angela Kalwaites told the BBC: "There was a big, big bang, you couldn't miss this one. It was very loud and made us all jump."

Another local said: "We heard it and felt the ground shake but not as loud as we thought it would be, glad it's done now so we can all get back to normal very soon. Well done and thank you to all involved."

Plymouth City Council said in a statement: "The unexploded device discovered in Southway was successfully rendered safe this morning by Royal Navy and Army unexploded ordnance (UXO) specialists.

"However, due to debris caused by the controlled detonation, thorough safety inspections are now required before residents can safely return to their homes. Therefore, the 400m cordon continues to be in place.

"After assessing the device and determining that it was too unstable to move, specialists worked tirelessly over the past 12 hours to put extensive mitigation measures in place to manage the risk and allow them to safely carry out their operation.

"This included carefully surrounding the device with hundreds of tons of sand and installing protective structures around nearby buildings.

"The experts were hopeful that the operation could be completed without triggering an explosion. However, due to the historic nature of the device and its complex two-fuse design, this was not possible.

"While the device itself is now safe, it is essential that safety inspections are completed before the cordon can be lifted and residents are able to return to their homes. For example, cleaning up and inspecting local buildings."

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