Saturday, March 29, 2025
450-kg WWII-Era Bomb Found in Hong Kong During Excavation, 6,000 Evacuated
Hong Kong, September 20, 2025 – Panic erupted in Hong Kong after construction workers unearthed a massive unexploded bomb believed to date back nearly a century to World War II. The bomb, weighing approximately 450 kilograms and measuring 1.5 meters in length, was discovered at a building construction site, prompting authorities to launch an immediate emergency response.
Police confirmed that the device, despite being decades old, remained extremely dangerous with the potential to detonate. Following the discovery, bomb disposal experts were deployed, and the entire surrounding area was evacuated to ensure public safety.
According to officials, nearly 6,000 residents were evacuated from the vicinity. Local media reported that 18 nearby buildings were cleared, with police conducting door-to-door checks to make sure no one was left behind.
World War II left a deep imprint on Hong Kong, which witnessed fierce fighting between Japanese forces and Allied troops. As a result, construction and excavation projects in the city still occasionally uncover unexploded ordnance.
This incident is not without precedent. In 2018, a similar WWII-era bomb was found in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, forcing the evacuation of about 1,200 people. The defusing operation then took nearly 20 hours.
Globally, the problem of unexploded bombs continues to persist. Just this past June, three American-made bombs were discovered in Germany, triggering the evacuation of more than 20,000 people. Reports also note that unexploded ordnance remains a significant threat in regions such as Vietnam, Laos, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Authorities in Hong Kong have not yet disclosed how long it will take to safely neutralize the newly discovered bomb, but urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions.
