In a dramatic overnight operation, thousands of Hong Kong residents were evacuated from their homes as explosives experts worked to safely defuse a massive, U.S.-made World War II bomb discovered at a construction site.
Authorities confirmed the formidable device measured 1.5 meters in length and tipped the scales at approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms). Its unexpected discovery by construction workers sent ripples through Quarry Bay, a vibrant residential and commercial hub situated on the western side of Hong Kong Island.
Police official Andy Chan Tin-Chu addressed reporters prior to the operation, stating, “We have confirmed this object to be a bomb dating back to World War II.” He emphasized the “exceptionally high risks associated with its disposal,” necessitating the urgent evacuation of around 6,000 individuals from approximately 1,900 households.
The intricate defusal process commenced late Friday, September 19, 2025, and concluded successfully by approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 20. Remarkably, no injuries were reported during the entire operation, highlighting the professionalism of the explosive ordnance disposal team.
Discoveries of unexploded World War II ordnance are not uncommon in Hong Kong, a testament to its wartime history.
During World War II, Hong Kong served as a significant base for Japanese military and shipping operations after being occupied by Japanese forces. Consequently, Allied forces, including the United States, conducted numerous air raids on the city, aiming to cripple Japanese supply lines and infrastructure.