Bomb (Air Delivered) event in Rotterdam area, Netherlands on Thu 30th May 2024

1,100 people evacuated as WWII bomb is made safe in Rotterdam

Some 1,100 people living in the Middelland neighbourhood in Rotterdam have been told to leave their homes while explosives experts dig up and dismantle a World War II bomb.

The bomb came from a British plane and landed on the property at 27 Claes de Vrieselaan on October 3, 1941 but did not explode.

The owner of number 27 became aware of the bomb when he had the foundations of his property inspected in 2015. Research showed a large metal object some eight metres below ground, which matched up with eyewitness accounts of a stray bomb at the time.

There are, according to the city council, some 200 unexploded bombs buried under the city which, officials say, are not dangerous unless disturbed by building work. Two others have been dug up and destroyed in earlier operations.

Three buildings, including number 27, have been demolished to clear the way for the bomb to be recovered.

The council has ordered everyone living near the location to leave the area from 8 am to 8 pm, when the work will be completed.

Robots will first dig out the bomb and then remove its detonator. It will then be taken to the nearby Maasvlakte and blown up.