Plymouth bomb: Origin, unexploded bomb discovered, Updates, Damage it can Cause, Range, How it works And Everything To Know
An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in a garden in Plymouth, triggering a major incident and affecting thousands of residents. Let’s delve into the details:
Discovery and Evacuation:
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- On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of possible ordnance found in a garden on St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area.
Widening Impact:
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- By Wednesday, February 21, approximately 1,200 people were forced out of their homes.
- The chaos disrupted lives, with some residents leaving their homes for the first time in decades.
- Plymouth City Council also extended the cordon as bomb disposal experts continued their investigations.
Further Extensions:
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- On Thursday, February 22, the exclusion zone was widened from 200 meters to 300 meters.
Disposal Plan:
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- On Friday, February 23, authorities announced their decision to remove the device from the Plymouth garden.
- Bomb disposal experts from the Army and also Royal Navy assessed the device.
- The safest approach was to transport the bomb to the Torpoint Ferry slipway and dispose of it at sea beyond the breakwater.
Origin:
- The exact origin of this specific bomb is unclear, but its type and location suggest it was part of a bombing campaign targeting the city’s docks and industrial areas.
Damage it can Cause:
- A 30-inch mortar bomb has the potential to cause significant damage within a 200-meter radius.
- The blast could damage buildings, infrastructure, and also injure or kill people within the blast zone.
- The detonation could also create flying shrapnel and debris, posing additional danger.
Range:
- The range of flying shrapnel and debris could extend further, depending on the terrain and detonation conditions.
How it Works:
- The bomb likely contains a time-delay fuse designed to detonate after a specific period.
- Alternatively, it could have an impact fuse that would also detonate upon hitting the ground.
- The bomb disposal team will use also specialized techniques to safely disarm or detonate the bomb without causing harm to people or property.
Everything to Know:
- The situation is ongoing, and authorities are working to safely remove the bomb and minimize disruption.
- Residents in the affected area should follow all instructions from emergency services and also stay informed through official channels.
- The discovery of this bomb serves as a reminder of the legacy of World War II and the potential dangers of unexploded ordnance.
