Unexploded 500lb bomb causes mass evacuation in Italy

A World War II-era unexploded 500lb bomb forced the evacuation of 10,000 Bologna residents today, underscoring the continued risk posed by legacy munitions in urban areas.

Mass disruption across Bologna

The unexploded 500lb bomb was discovered on private land near a railway underpass, north of Bologna’s city centre. The discovery led to extensive disruption, with road and rail networks diverted throughout the day. Bologna’s airport also felt the impact, with 45 departing flights cancelled and 23 incoming flights either cancelled or rerouted.

The Italian Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists worked for eight hours to defuse the device, carefully removing the detonator before confirming the bomb was safe for removal. Once neutralised, the bomb was transported from the construction site, allowing authorities to lift the evacuation order. Plans were put in place to destroy the bomb in a controlled explosion at a nearby quarry.

What was the unexploded 500lb bomb and why was it found here?

Based on its shape and weight, the device appears to be an RAF 500lb General Purpose (GP) high-explosive bomb, a standard munition used in Allied bombing campaigns. As is often the case with unexploded bombs (UXBs), the tail assembly was missing, likely due to impact forces upon landing.

Bologna was subjected to heavy aerial bombardment by both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in April 1945, as part of the final Allied offensives against Axis forces in Italy. Air raids were a key tactic used to soften enemy positions before ground assaults.

This is not an isolated case. A similar incident last month required the evacuation of 23,000 people in the coastal town of Fano when another unexploded 500lb bomb was discovered. Across Italy, many towns and cities still face the ongoing challenge of UXB contamination, much like the UK, where German bombing raids left a lasting legacy of unexploded ordnance.

The importance of UXO risk identification

The discovery of historic bombs in densely populated areas highlights the necessity of proactive UXO risk management, particularly in construction and infrastructure projects. UXO contamination is a hidden but significant hazard, capable of causing major disruptions, financial loss, and, in worst cases, endangering lives.

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in assessing and mitigating UXO risks for development projects across the UK and beyond. Our expert team provides comprehensive risk assessments, on-site UXO support, and clearance services to ensure safe and uninterrupted project operations.

If your project involves groundworks in an area with a history of wartime activity, get in touch with our commercial team today to discuss how we can help you manage UXO risks effectively.

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