Unexploded 1,000-kilogram WWII bomb is detonated in England

Authorities evacuate thousands of people in Exeter near Nazi ‘Hermann’ bomb; massive explosion heard kilometers away

British police evacuated thousands of people in a city in southwest England on Saturday before they detonated an unexploded World War II bomb that had been found during recent construction work.

Some 2,600 properties, including the residences of 1,400 university students, were evacuated, leaving an area of around 400 meters clear for the controlled explosion of the 1,000-kilogram (2,200 pounds) bomb, the Daily Mail reported.

The evacuation in the city of Exeter began Friday shortly after the bomb was found, with the detonation taking place on Saturday at 6:10 p.m.

Residents in the area reported the explosion was heard some 10 kilometers away.

UPDATE: This is the moment a WW2 bomb was detonated in #Exeter. Image courtesy of Exeter City Council. #Police would like to thank the residents of Exeter, particularly the 2,600 evacuated households and our partner agencies who have worked so hard to ensure the safety of all pic.twitter.com/fhxJFqBqT8
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) February 27, 2021

A number of properties were damaged in the 100-meter radius, residents of which were not yet permitted to return. Those who lived outside that range were allowed to go back to their homes.

UPDATE: Suspected unexploded WW2 bomb discovered near Exeter University to be detonated by this evening https://t.co/TcTYz76D1H pic.twitter.com/XdTmWGWFTP
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) February 27, 2021

The bomb, discovered on a building site near the University of Exeter, is believed to be a Nazi SC1000 bomb, more commonly known as the “Hermann.”

We’ve spent the last 2 days in Exeter supporting the huge multi-agency operation for an unexploded WW2 bomb. This is from the drone the moment it was detonated…
(the 2nd clip is thermal imaging)#exeter @BBCNews @SkyNews @DevonLiveNews @DC_Police @BBCSpotlight @itvwestcountry pic.twitter.com/LECX9foVTy

— Alliance Police Drones (@PoliceDrones) February 28, 2021

In 2018, London City Airport was closed as military experts worked to remove a World War II bomb found in the neighboring dock.

London was heavily bombed during the Blitz, the Nazi German air attacks of September 1940 to May 1941.