A historic German SC250 bomb, a 250kg air-dropped weapon from World War II, discovered at a building site in Southway, Plymouth, cannot be safely removed and will be detonated in situ. The Royal Navy confirmed that the bomb is not safe to transfer, prompting a controlled explosion scheduled for Friday.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
More than 1,200 properties have been evacuated, with residents urged to leave the area. Alternative accommodation is available at Southway Community Centre. A 400-metre cordon is in place, and a no-fly zone has been established to ensure public safety. Authorities have warned that there will be no visible view of the detonation from any point around the cordon, and drones are prohibited.
Why the Bomb Cannot Be Moved
Colonel Nick Handy explained that the bomb's fuses are the critical factor. While one fuse could be X-rayed, a second fuse could not be definitively assessed, making it unsafe to move. He stated, "We cannot get a definitive X-ray of the second fuse and therefore it's not safe to move that item. So we're going to blow it in situ."
Mitigation Efforts
Specialist teams are constructing a mitigation structure using large quantities of sand to reduce the blast and fragmentation impact. The controlled detonation aims to deflagrate the bomb within a structure that limits damage to surrounding buildings. Colonel Handy expressed confidence that the mitigation measures will protect nearby properties.
Timeline and Ongoing Operations
Plymouth City Council reported that Royal Navy and Army unexploded ordnance (UXO) specialists have worked through the night to assess the device. The detonation will occur only after all safety measures are fully in place. Door-to-door visits by Devon and Cornwall Police, supported by volunteers, are ongoing to inform residents and encourage evacuations.
