It was described as one of the most complex bomb disposal missions since 1945 because the bomb was so close to three hospitals.
Authorities initially planned to defuse the bomb but had to carry out a controlled detonation after only one of the two fuses was identified. Photo: Oliver Berg/dpa
The bomb, which originated in the United States, was discovered during excavation work at a construction site for a new medical facility in the Merheim district, east of Cologne. After failing to safely defuse it, engineers brought tonnes of sand to the site in preparation for a controlled demolition.
At 5:57 p.m. local time Friday, the city confirmed that the bomb had been successfully detonated and shared images of a large crater at the site. Authorities warned that, even if the plan went smoothly, residents would still hear a loud bang.
Due to the bomb's proximity to hospitals, including the major Cologne-Merheim hospital, some 6,400 residents were evacuated from the 500-meter danger zone. Three hospitals with nearly 650 patients were evacuated, while some seriously ill patients who could not be moved were moved to safe rooms.
The incident is part of a series of similar incidents in Cologne, a city that was a major bombing target for the British military during World War II. The city has repeatedly had to deal with the discovery and deactivation of bombs from these raids.
Cologne was a key strategic point for Nazi Germany during the war and was the target of the first "thousand bomber" raid by the Royal Air Force in May 1942.
Earlier this month, the runway at Miyazaki airport in southwestern Japan was closed after a US bomb dropped during World War II unexpectedly exploded near the runway.
Cao Phong (according to DW)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/qua-bom-nang-1-tan-thoi-the-chien-ii-duoc-cho-phat-no-o-duc-post316480.html
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