More than 160 unexploded World War II practice bombs were found buried beneath a children’s playground in Wooler, England, prompting a major safety operation. The discovery was made earlier this month while conducting a survey on the site after an initial bomb was found on January 14 during expansion work. Wooler is located around 45 miles north of Newcastle.
What started as a routine survey on January 23 quickly escalated when officials discovered the extent of the issue. On the first day alone, 65 practice bombs, each weighing approximately 10 pounds, were unearthed, along with smoke cartridges. These “practice bombs” still contain a charge and require professional handling for safe removal.
By the end of the second day, the excavation area had expanded to two square miles, with an additional 90 unexploded bombs uncovered. Due to the size of the site and the hazardous nature of the ordnance, the playground expansion project was halted indefinitely.
Authorities assured the public that the bombs had been safely secured, and the excavation will continue once the area is deemed safe. Officials emphasized that these findings were far beyond initial expectations, highlighting the long-lasting impact of wartime ordnance in the landscape.
Northumberland County Council expressed their commitment to the safety of the local community, noting that the project will resume later this spring once the area is fully cleared. “This find was unexpected, but we’re pleased to have secured additional funding to ensure this work is done safely,” said a council spokesperson.
This startling discovery serves as a reminder of the lingering dangers posed by unexploded munitions from World War II, even in areas far removed from the front lines.
Bomb Disposal Operation Picture by stockcake.com
