Thousands evacuated in Paris suburb for WWII bomb disposal

Thousands of residents in Colombes, a northern suburb of Paris, were evacuated on Sunday to allow for the safe disposal of a World War Two bomb discovered during construction work on April 10.

Authorities ordered residents within a 450-meter radius of the device to leave their homes by 07:00 local time as a precautionary measure.

Nearly 800 police officers enforced a 900-meter-wide evacuation zone, while a secondary zone extending one kilometer from the bomb's location restricted outdoor activities but allowed residents to remain indoors.

Initial attempts to remove the bomb's detonator were unsuccessful, leading bomb disposal experts to carry out a controlled explosion at the site.

The controlled detonation was conducted at 15:20 and was reported as successful, with no injuries.

The evacuation order was lifted shortly after 16:00, allowing residents to return to their homes.

Reception centers were established to support evacuees, including vulnerable individuals requiring medical assistance.

Local official Alexandre Brugère described the operation as "risky" and requiring a "high level of preparation." Authorities secured the site and covered the device with sand while preparing for the removal.

Undetonated World War Two bombs continue to be found regularly across Europe, often during construction work in urban areas.

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