https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wwii-era-bomb-explodes-in-england-in-unplanned-detonation/

  * George Santos Documentary
  * CBS News App
  * Ukraine Crisis
  * COVID Pandemic
  * CBS News Live
  * Managing Your Money
  * Essentials Shopping
  * Newsletters

  
 

  * News
      + 
          o US
          o World
          o Politics
          o Entertainment
          o Health
          o MoneyWatch
          o CBS Village
          o Technology
          o Science
          o Crime
          o Sports
          o Essentials
      + 
          o 
              # "Unidentified object" shot down over Canada, Trudeau
                says
              # 6 Chinese entities blacklisted by U.S. over balloon
                program
              # The Saturday Six: Super Bowl ad previews, Celia Cruz
                on quarters and more
              # Russian cargo ship suffers loss of coolant
              # WWII-era bomb explodes in England in "unplanned"
                detonation
              # Super Bowl flyover features all-women team of pilots
              # Cautious residents return home after toxic chemical
                train derailment
              # FBI search of Pence's home uncovers more documents
              # Police: 2 men arrested after cutting fence at
                Virginia power facility
  * 
  * Shows
  * Live
  * Local
  * More
      + 
          o Latest
          o Video
          o Photos
          o Podcasts
          o In Depth
          o Local
          o Global Thought Leaders
          o Innovators & Disruptors
      + 
          o Log In
          o Newsletters
          o Mobile
          o RSS
          o CBS Store
          o Paramount+
          o Join Our Talent Community
          o Davos 2023
  * Search
  * Search
  * Login

 
  

Watch CBS News

World

WWII-era bomb explodes in England in "unplanned" detonation

By Kerry Breen

February 11, 2023 / 11:45 AM / CBS News

  *  
  *  
  *  

WWII bomb explodes in U.K.
WWII bomb explodes in U.K. 00:22

A World War II bomb that was found in Great Yarmouth, England
exploded on Friday in what authorities are calling an "unplanned"
detonation.

Officials first became aware of the 250 kilogram (about 550 pounds)
explosive on Tuesday, Feb. 7, when a contractor who was doing
dredging work in the River Yare discovered it, according to a news
release from the city. Emergency services and local authorities
declared a "major incident" and activated emergency plans. An
Explosion Ordnance Device team was also summoned to the area. Roads
were closed and the immediate area was evacuated. 

On Friday, work began to disarm the explosives remaining in the
device, but somehow it detonated, causing a large explosion that was
captured on video by a police drone. The video was shared on Twitter
. 

    The unexploded bomb in #GreatYarmouth detonated earlier during
    work to disarm it. Our drone captured the moment. We can confirm
    that no one was injured. Public safety has been at the heart of
    our decision making all the way through this operation, which we
    know has been lengthy. pic.twitter.com/9SaeYmHkrb

    -- Norfolk Police (@NorfolkPolice) February 10, 2023

In a news release, officials said that a protective sandbox had been
built around the bomb in case of an unexpected detonation. That
sandbox prevented injuries, and on Twitter, officials said that "no
one was injured" in the day's events. 

Evacuation orders have been lifted and Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Chief Executive Sheila Oxtoby thanked community members for their
patience and understanding throughout the multi-day process. 

"This has been an unsettling time for many people, most of all for
those who were evacuated from their homes. Safety of the public has
been at the heart of decision making throughout this multi-agency
operation. While it may have been slow, yesterday afternoon's events
show why it was so important to take all necessary measures to
minimize any risk to the public," Oxtoby said, according to the news
release. "... I'd like to thank everyone involved for bringing this
to a safe conclusion and we will continue to help those residents
displaced." 

It's not clear how many people were displaced due to the explosion. 

Officials said that a nearby tower crane seen in the drone video has
been deemed "safe." Environment Agency engineers will inspect a river
wall today that was damaged in the explosion, but "initial
assessments show" that the flood defense it provides has not been
compromised. 

Trending News

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is welcomed to the U.S.
Capitol by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) prior to a bipartisan
congressional meeting, in Washington
"Unidentified object" shot down over Canada, Trudeau says
screen-shot-2023-02-11-at-11-21-54-am.png
WWII-era bomb explodes in England in "unplanned" detonation
Chinese Spy Balloon
6 Chinese entities blacklisted by U.S. over balloon program
DALFLIGHT.png
New York-bound Delta flight makes emergency landing in Scotland
Lahore, Pakistan map
In Pakistan, angry mob lynches man accused of blasphemy

    In:
  * World War II
  * Explosion
  * United Kingdom

First published on February 11, 2023 / 11:45 AM

(c) 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
[                    ]  Continue
Please enter email address to continue
Please enter valid email address to continue
Copyright (c)2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.

  * Privacy Policy
  * Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  * Terms of Use
  * About
  * Advertise
  * Closed Captioning
  * CBS News Live on Paramount+
  * CBS News Store
  * Site Map
  * Contact Us
  * Help

  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and
exclusive reporting.
Not Now Turn On