Residents in the coastal English town of Great Yarmouth were left shaken after a World War II bomb exploded unexpectedly on Thursday, February 9th. The blast was heard across the town and shattered windows in nearby buildings, but no one was injured.
The bomb had been discovered during dredging works in the harbor earlier in the week, and a three-day operation was launched to remove and detonate it safely. However, as the bomb squad prepared to transport the device, it exploded.
One resident reported that he was watching television when the explosion occurred right outside his house, causing him to fear for his safety. Another resident described the blast as “like a sonic boom” and said it had “knocked him off his feet.”
The explosion left a large crater in the road, and debris was scattered across the surrounding area. Local authorities have since urged residents to stay away from the site while they clear the area and investigate the cause of the explosion.
This incident is not the first time an unexploded bomb from World War II has caused disruption in the town. Just last year, a similar bomb was discovered in the harbor and safely removed.
The discovery of unexploded bombs from World War II is not uncommon in the UK, with many still remaining undiscovered or buried underground. In fact, just days before the Great Yarmouth explosion, another unexploded bomb was discovered in the city of Birmingham, prompting a large-scale evacuation of the area.
Local authorities in Great Yarmouth have warned that the discovery of unexploded bombs is likely to continue for many years to come and that residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects they come across.
While no one was injured in the Great Yarmouth explosion, it serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of World War II on the UK and the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded bombs. The incident has also sparked debate over the safety procedures and protocols in place for the removal and detonation of such devices.