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| Over 170 WWII Bombs Discovered Beneath Children's Playground in England |
Over 170 World War II Bombs Discovered Beneath Children's Playground in England
Authorities in northern England have uncovered more than 170 World War II-era bombs beneath a children's playground in Wooler, Northumberland. Experts believe additional explosives may still be buried at the site.
The discovery was first made in January when construction workers renovating the playground found a suspicious object while digging. Investigations quickly revealed the presence of 176 explosive devices, some of which still contained active charges.
Local councilor Mark Mather expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "It's astonishing to think that children have been unknowingly playing over these bombs. The situation has been extremely challenging for everyone involved."
According to a statement from the Wooler Parish Council, Brimstone Site Investigations was brought in to assess the site. It soon became clear that the scale of the problem was far larger than anticipated.
So far, 65 practice bombs, each weighing approximately 10 pounds, have been found within a 10-square-meter area. Additionally, 90 more bombs were uncovered within a separate 20-square-foot section, along with multiple smoke cartridges.
Due to the large volume of buried ordnance, the survey was not completed within the expected two-day timeframe. Authorities confirmed that further efforts will be needed to locate and safely remove the remaining explosives.
Historical records suggest that the site may have been used as a Home Guard training ground during World War II. It is believed that the bombs were buried there at the end of the war.
Councilor Mather admitted that handling bomb disposal was an unexpected challenge for local officials. The disposal process is expected to continue through mid-February, with Northumberland County Council stepping in to cover the costs of the operation.
Mather also noted disappointment that the Army has declined to assist in locating and removing the ordnance. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that a team had attended the site twice in January but did not comment on the local council's concerns.
A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council emphasized the importance of securing the necessary funding to complete the operation safely. "This discovery was entirely unexpected, but we are relieved to have secured additional resources to ensure this crucial work is carried out effectively," the spokesperson stated.
Unexploded World War II ordnance remains a persistent hazard in various parts of the world. In October 2024, a bomb dropped by U.S. forces during the war unexpectedly detonated at a Japanese airport, leaving a massive crater on a runway. Similarly, in 2023, an unplanned explosion of a World War II bomb occurred in Great Yarmouth, England, reinforcing the ongoing risks posed by buried munitions.
