WWII Bomb Discovery Rocks Hong Kong: Thousands Evacuated in Tense Standoff

A chilling relic from World War II sent shockwaves through Hong Kong's vibrant Happy Valley district recently, as the discovery of a massive unexploded bomb triggered the urgent evacuation of thousands. The colossal 450-kilogram (1,000-pound) American-made aerial bomb, measuring an imposing 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) in length, was unearthed at a construction site, instantly transforming a routine workday into a tense standoff with history.

Containing a staggering 225 kilograms (500 pounds) of high explosives, authorities warned that the device possessed enough destructive power to cause "serious damage" across a wide radius.

The gravity of the situation prompted a swift and decisive response from Hong Kong police. Over 2,000 residents from surrounding apartment buildings, bustling businesses, and a major hotel were ordered to evacuate, creating an unprecedented scene of disruption in the usually bustling urban hub. Roads were closed, and traffic was diverted as a massive cordon was established to ensure public safety.

The delicate and perilous task of rendering the bomb safe fell to Hong Kong's highly specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau.

These brave experts embarked on a painstaking 10-hour operation, a testament to their precision and dedication. Their method involved a meticulous, multi-stage process: first, carefully removing the bomb's fuse, the critical component that dictates detonation. Once the fuse was neutralized, the team proceeded to burn off the volatile explosives layer by layer, a controlled procedure designed to safely incapacitate the destructive charge without causing an uncontrolled blast.

This isn't the first time Hong Kong has grappled with such dangerous echoes of its past.

The city served as a critical battleground during World War II, experiencing brutal fighting during the Japanese invasion in 1941. Decades later, unexploded ordnance from that era occasionally surfaces, a stark reminder of the conflict's lingering presence beneath the modern metropolis. This particular discovery marks the third such significant find in recent years, highlighting the ongoing risk and the sophisticated expertise required to manage these historical threats.

As the sun set, then rose again, the painstaking efforts of the bomb disposal team brought a collective sigh of relief.

With the bomb finally defused and the danger averted, residents were slowly permitted to return to their homes and businesses, bringing an end to the extraordinary day of disruption and highlighting the silent vigilance of those who safeguard the city from its buried history.