The city of Wroclaw in southwestern Poland was rattled on Friday as the discovery of a large unexploded bomb from World War II necessitated the immediate evacuation of approximately 2,500 residents. Construction work near a railway overpass led to the unearthing of the 250-kilogram (550-pound) German SC-250 aerial bomb, prompting authorities to take swift action.
In response to the potential threat, the city swiftly organized buses to transport evacuated residents to a safe location while bomb removal experts closely inspected and addressed the situation. To ensure utmost safety, train traffic in the vicinity was temporarily halted until the bomb could be safely removed, as reported by various Polish media outlets. However, not all residents agreed to leave their homes, and authorities were unable to enforce mandatory evacuations. Police spokesperson Aleksandra Freus clarified that while a public call to evacuate was issued, residents ultimately had the choice to stay or leave. The call emphasized the severe risk posed to human life and well-being by the presence of the unexploded ordnance.
During World War II, Wroclaw, then known as Breslau, was a German city that witnessed intense combat and widespread devastation, enduring heavy bombardment by Soviet forces before Germany’s surrender. Following the war, as borders were redrawn, Wroclaw became part of Poland, with Germany obliged to relinquish control of the territory. The discovery of unexploded World War II munitions serves as a solemn reminder of the enduring legacy of conflict, prompting authorities to respond swiftly to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in affected areas.