Allied bomb explosion causes widespread damage in German town

A controlled explosion of a 250kg unexploded World War II bomb in Lingen, Lower Saxony, has caused extensive damage and prompted the evacuation of approximately 8,800 residents. The bomb, believed to have been dropped by Allied forces, was discovered during construction work near the town’s old harbour.

Controlled explosion deemed necessary

Upon discovery, German bomb disposal experts determined that defusing the bomb posed significant risks. Due to its deteriorated state and unstable condition, a controlled detonation was deemed the safest course of action. Transporting the ordnance to a different location was also ruled out due to the potential danger involved.

While controlled explosions aim to minimise damage, they can still have significant impacts on nearby infrastructure and residents. Windows were shattered, and structural damage was reported in buildings within the blast radius, despite safety measures in place.

Ongoing UXO threat in Germany

Germany continues to grapple with the legacy of WWII unexploded ordnance (UXO). In the state of Lower Saxony alone, bomb disposal teams were called out 725 times in 2017. That same year, 271 large bombs (50kg or more) were deemed too hazardous to disarm and had to be destroyed in place.

One of the most significant UXO-related evacuations in Germany’s history occurred in September 2017, when 65,000 residents of Frankfurt were forced to leave their homes due to the discovery of a massive RAF-dropped bomb.

UXO risks in the UK

The UXO threat is not confined to Germany. The UK also faces significant risks, particularly in areas targeted during the Blitz. In London alone, an estimated 10 unexploded German bombs are found each year. These discoveries highlight the ongoing danger posed by WWII-era ordnance, which remains buried beneath urban and rural landscapes.

Mitigating the UXO threat in construction

For the construction industry, the presence of unexploded bombs poses serious risks. Without proper surveys, piling, excavation, and groundwork operations could inadvertently trigger a detonation, endangering workers and the public.

Brimstone UXO offers intrusive magnetometer surveys designed to detect large buried metallic anomalies, including WWII-era bombs. These surveys provide construction teams with the confidence to proceed safely, ensuring that piling rigs and excavators do not encounter hazardous ordnance.

As experts in UXO risk management, Brimstone UXO is committed to public safety and industry best practices. Stay up to date with our latest insights and safety updates by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

If you are involved in construction and require UXO risk mitigation services, contact Brimstone UXO today to learn how we can help safeguard your project.