BUKIT TIMAH, Singapore: In a carefully coordinated operation, the Singaporean military’s bomb disposal specialists successfully detonated a 100-kilogram (220-pound) World War II-era bomb discovered at a construction site.
The controlled detonation, the largest of its kind involving a WWII relic in Singapore, resulted in a thunderous boom echoing throughout the city-state after thousands of residents had been evacuated as a precaution.
The unexploded aerial bomb was unearthed last week at a condominium construction site in Bukit Timah, a northeastern suburb of Singapore, prompting a rapid response from the authorities. Over 4,000 people residing in the vicinity were swiftly evacuated in anticipation of the detonation, which took place on Tuesday.
Prior to the detonation, military personnel meticulously prepared the site by strategically placing sandbags to contain the blast. As bomb disposal experts carried out a series of explosions, a distinctive mushroom cloud rose in the distance, marking the successful neutralization of the dangerous relic.
Soldiers carefully transported the bomb, estimated to contain approximately 47 kilograms of explosives, using a net to minimize risks. The evacuation and safety measures were extensive, with a 200-meter cordon set up around the site to ensure the safety of the public. Surrounding streets were devoid of cars, and police had issued warnings to residents, advising them not to be alarmed by the loud explosion and to steer clear of the affected area.
Singapore, then a British colony, experienced heavy bombing during World War II, notably by Japanese forces following their attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The bombings intensified in January 1942, culminating in the invasion and capture of Singapore by Japanese troops on February 8, 1942.
Instances of unexploded wartime ordnance being discovered in Singapore are not uncommon due to the city-state’s historical involvement in World War II. In recent years, there have been several discoveries of unexploded devices during construction activities. Each discovery necessitates swift and expert action to ensure the safety and security of the community.
