Large Evacuation in France Due to WWII UXO

Colombes, France An unexploded WWII munition found during construction on Rue des Champarons forced the evacuation of several thousand residents in Colombes, a suburb of Paris. According to police, approximately 800 officers responded to secure the area while explosives experts attempted to defuse the device.

After unsuccessful attempts to remove the detonator, a controlled detonation plan led to all within a 450-meter radius evacuation zone. Local official Alexandre Brugere said that the intervention was "risky," due to the bomb's age and condition.

The operation was successful and without incident. Residents were allowed to return to their home shortly after the safe detonation.