Zeeland village evacuated as World War II bomb dismantled

Some 1,400 residents and people holidaying in the Zeeland town of Breskens had to leave their homes and offices on Wednesday morning due to the dismantling of a World War II bomb. The bomb - an American made 1,000-pounder from World War II, was discovered on December 14th. The dismantling consists of two parts, according to Hart van Zeeland. First the igniter will be removed from the bomb, which could be accompanied by a small bang. And later the bomb will be destroyed in another location. This will be accompanied by a loud bang. To make sure that all this goes smoothly, everyone had to leave the Niuewesluisweg-Langeweg-Nieuwe Slikkenburgseweg for the day. The concerned people were informed about this three weeks ago. The municipality arranged a place for them to wait in the neighboring village of IJzendijke, according to AD. Once the bomb is destroyed, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team will check whether any explosive or non-explosive remnants remain in the area. If all is clear, the area will be released and everyone will be allowed to return to their homes and businesses.

Bewoners die weg moesten uit bomgebied zijn hier ondergebracht. #opvanglocatie #bomruiming #breskens #omroepzeeland pic.twitter.com/oHl7YcuXat

— Erik Samplonius (@NLErik) January 27, 2016