HONG KONG (BN24) — Thousands of residents were evacuated overnight from a densely populated district of Hong Kong after construction workers unearthed a massive, unexploded bomb dating back to World War II, prompting a high-stakes disposal operation by local authorities.
The U.S.-manufactured bomb, measuring approximately 1.5 meters (nearly five feet) in length and weighing an estimated 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), was discovered at a construction site in Quarry Bay, a busy commercial and residential neighborhood on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island.
Police officials identified the ordnance as a wartime relic and confirmed it was likely dropped during U.S. air raids targeting Japanese-occupied Hong Kong in the 1940s. At the time, Allied forces bombed key infrastructure to disrupt Japanese military operations and supply lines in the region. Hong Kong was under Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945.
Andy Chan Tin-Chu, a senior police official, told reporters before the disposal effort that the operation carried “exceptionally high risks” due to the bomb’s size, condition, and location in a populated area. Authorities quickly coordinated an evacuation of approximately 1,900 households, affecting roughly 6,000 residents. Nearby roads and public transport routes were also temporarily closed as a precaution.
The bomb disposal unit began work late Friday night and concluded the operation successfully by around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. No injuries or damage were reported.
Incidents involving unexploded World War II ordnance are not uncommon in Hong Kong, where ongoing urban development frequently intersects with remnants of the city’s wartime history. Officials reminded the public to report any suspected explosives immediately and praised residents for their cooperation during the evacuation.
Quarry Bay, a district known for its skyscrapers, shopping centers, and transit hubs, returned to normal operations hours after the all-clear was given.
