Second World War bomb uncovered in East Flanders

A 250-kilogram bomb dating from the Second World War was uncovered in Lokeren, East Flanders, during digging work in a field, police said. The bomb (pictured) is an American munition and was still intact, presenting a danger of explosion.

The army bomb disposal unit Dovo was called to the scene and cleared a perimeter of 250 metres before disarming the device. A nearby industrial area was evacuated for several hours.

Unexploded munitions are discovered in Flanders on a regular basis. Most date from the First World War, much of which was fought in West Flanders. The most recent major find involved thousands of shells being stockpiled by farmers in Langemark-Poelkapelle, near Ypres, in February. One month later two workers were killed when an unexploded First World War shell exploded in Ypres. About 350 people are estimated to have been killed by unexploded munitions since the end of the First World War.

photo courtesy VTM