An unexploded World War II bomb, weighing around 500 kilograms, was discovered in a residential yard in Plymouth earlier this week. The bomb is set to be transported by a military convoy and disposed of at sea beyond the breakwater, marking one of the largest evacuations in the United Kingdom since the war.
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, with additional residents along the convoy route advised to leave as well. The evacuation, coordinated by the Ministry of Defence, is considered one of the most significant since World War II.
Authorities decided to move the bomb due to the high risk of significant damage if it were detonated in the yard, potentially destroying several houses. The operation is being led by bomb disposal experts and police, with the convoy's journey expected to take approximately 20 minutes.
As a safety measure, the main train line into Plymouth will be closed, ferries suspended, and buses diverted. Schools, nurseries, and businesses within the evacuation zone have also been instructed to close temporarily.
Plymouth, a historic naval city, faced heavy bombing during World War II, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Since the war, unexploded ordnance has been regularly discovered across the U.K., posing ongoing risks to communities.
The disposal operation, involving over 1,000 staff and officers, aims to ensure the safe removal of the bomb and the eventual return of affected residents to their homes by Friday evening.
The Ministry of Defence expressed gratitude for the military personnel involved in the operation, highlighting their dedication and bravery in managing the risks associated with handling unexploded ordnance.
