Historic WWII Bomb Detonated in Northern Ireland After Discovery

A World War II bomb, dropped by a German warplane over 80 years ago, was detonated in a controlled explosion in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, leading to the evacuation of over 400 homes. The explosive device was uncovered at a construction site in County Down last Thursday and was quickly deemed a significant threat, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from the nearby Rivenwood area. Following the evacuation, police and military experts executed the controlled detonation shortly before 4 p.m. The operation involved constructing a sand-filled pit to safely contain the 1,100-pound SC-500 bomb, which was used by the Nazis during the war. Witnesses reported a dramatic plume of smoke and a loud boom as the bomb was successfully detonated, with no injuries reported. Superintendent Johnston McDowell, North Down and Ards District Commander, praised the operation's success, highlighting the expertise of military personnel involved. Residents were allowed to return home after the detonation, and an emergency support center was established to assist those affected during the evacuation process. The bomb was discovered in Newtownards, approximately 12 miles east of Belfast, an area historically targeted by the Luftwaffe during World War II. Authorities emphasized the importance of safety, with McDowell stating that while the evacuations caused disruption, the priority was to ensure the safety of the community.