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WWII bomb safely detonated in Paris suburb
Hundreds of residents in Colombes were evacuated Sunday as French authorities carried out a controlled explosion to neutralize a wartime explosive discovered during construction.
Evacuation and operation details
Police ordered approximately 1,500 people living within a 450-meter radius of the bomb site to leave their homes by 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT). A broader 900-meter exclusion zone was enforced, while a secondary kilometer-wide perimeter restricted outdoor movement but allowed residents to stay indoors.
Nearly 800 officers were deployed to secure the area. Emergency alerts instructed residents to close windows and shutters before departing. One local resident, Alida, told Le Parisien that families left without packing, leaving belongings behind.
Controlled detonation after failed attempt
An initial effort to remove the bomb's detonator was unsuccessful, according to French media reports. Authorities opted for an on-site controlled explosion, which took place at 15:20. The Préfet des Hauts-de-Seine confirmed the operation's success shortly after, lifting the evacuation order by 16:00.
Discovery and preparation
The 80-year-old explosive was uncovered on April 10 during construction work on Rue des Champarons. Officials immediately secured the site and covered the device with sand while planning its removal. Alexandre Brugère, a local official, described the operation as high-risk, requiring extensive preparation.
Support for displaced residents
Reception centers were established to accommodate evacuees, with special assistance provided for vulnerable individuals needing medical care.
Frequent discoveries across Europe
Unexploded WWII ordnance remains a recurring hazard in Europe, often found during urban construction projects. The dense population in cities amplifies the risk, leading to large-scale evacuations.
In recent years, similar incidents have disrupted London, including evacuations near tourist sites and a temporary closure of London City Airport. Last year, a 500-kilogram bomb was defused near Paris's Gare du Nord during bridge construction over railway lines.
