Army defuses WWII bomb found on London construction site

A bomb-disposal team worked tirelessly through the night to safely defuse a 500lb World War II-era bomb discovered on a London construction site. The incident caused widespread disruption, leading to evacuations, school closures, and transport delays across the area.

Discovery and Emergency Response

Builders working on a development in Brondesbury Park, north-west London, unearthed the device late on Thursday morning. Authorities swiftly responded, with the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and an army bomb-disposal unit arriving at the scene to assess the threat. A security cordon was established, and nearby homes were evacuated to ensure public safety.

The disposal team worked relentlessly throughout the night, and by Friday evening, police confirmed the bomb had been successfully defused and removed from the site. However, adverse weather conditions delayed the operation, prolonging the disruption for local residents and businesses.

Widespread Disruptions

The discovery and removal of the bomb had significant knock-on effects for local transport and public services. Train and bus services faced cancellations, with London Overground temporarily suspending operations between Willesden Junction and Camden Road for part of the morning.

Nearly 30 educational institutions, including schools, nurseries, and parent-and-toddler groups, were impacted by the incident. Ten schools were forced to close entirely on Friday as authorities worked to ensure the area’s safety.

Support for Residents near the London Construction Site

In response to the disruption, Brent Council’s emergency planning team established a rest centre at St Martin’s Church in Kensal Green. Volunteers from the British Red Cross were also deployed to assist displaced residents.

Brent Council leader, Muhammed Butt, confirmed that 78 residents spent Thursday night in temporary hotel accommodation while the removal operation was ongoing.

Minimise Delays and Ensure Safety on Your Site

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a significant risk across the UK, particularly in areas with historical bombing activity. If your project involves groundworks – whether humanitarian, governmental, or commercial – it’s essential to consider the possibility of buried UXO on-site.

A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment offers the fastest and most cost-effective way to determine whether your site is at risk. With a 24 to 48-hour turnaround, this assessment provides valuable insights to prevent unexpected delays and ensure site safety.

Learn more about our UXO risk assessment services here.

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