Unexploded grenade unearthed at London building site causes evacuation

A construction site in Acton came to a standstill after an unexploded grenade was unearthed, prompting the evacuation of a nearby shopping centre and the temporary closure of the High Street.

Emergency response to the unexploded grenade

Following the discovery of the unexploded grenade, authorities swiftly closed off the affected area, including the adjacent shopping centre, to ensure public safety. A Ministry of Defence (MOD) bomb disposal team arrived on-site, assessed the item, and removed it for safe disposal.

Due to the risks associated with transporting live grenades, EOD engineers generally opt to destroy such items on local publicly owned land rather than moving them long distances. In this case, Acton Park was temporarily closed while specialists conducted a controlled detonation, neutralising the threat in a secure environment.

Why a detailed UXO Risk Assessment matters

One of the easiest ways to mitigate the risk of unexpected UXO discoveries is through a comprehensive UXO Risk Assessment. This assessment provides an in-depth historical and geophysical analysis of a site, identifying potential contamination risks before work begins.

Commissioning a Brimstone UXO Risk Assessment allows construction teams to:

• Reduce project delays by proactively identifying and mitigating UXO risks.
• Enhance site safety by ensuring workers are aware of potential hazards.
• Comply with regulations and best practices for construction in areas with historic military activity.

Brimstone UXO provides expert risk assessment and mitigation services to support safe and efficient construction projects across the UK. If you are planning groundworks in an area with potential UXO contamination, our team can help ensure your site remains safe and compliant.

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