Drone Captures Incredible Moment World War 2 Bomb Is Blown Up In Exeter

This is the incredible moment police in Exeter detonated a World War II bomb.

Cops had to evacuate residents living in the area before the 1,000kg Hermann bomb could be safely detonated at 6.10pm on Saturday 27 February.

Sharing the footage online, the Alliance Police Drones team wrote: "We've spent the last 2 days in Exeter supporting the huge multi-agency operation for an unexploded WW2 bomb.

"This is from the drone the moment it was detonated..."

Numerous agencies, including the police and drone teams, worked together to carry out safety assessment work.

This included the use of a crane to remove pieces of metal which had formed part of the Ministry of Defence's mitigation structure surrounding the bomb, from nearby roofs.

Devon and Cornwall Police

The operation pre and post detonation involved volunteers from Dartmoor Search and Rescue, the Coastguard, Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response and others.

Residents within a 400-metre radius were told to leave their homes while the controlled explosion took place - most of them were able to return to their homes on Sunday evening, but those living within 100-metres were provided with hotel accommodation.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police would like to thank the residents of Exeter, particularly the 2,600 evacuated households and our partner agencies who have worked so hard to ensure the safety of all."

Properties in the area are now being assessed for structural damage after the blast.

Devon and Cornwall Police

Structural engineer Matthew Cridge told the BBC the explosion had left a crater that was so large you could 'easily part three double decker buses in there'.

He went on to say that some houses opposite the site had their 'windows and doors blown through' as well as some damage to their roofs.

He added: "They were not as badly damaged as I was expecting so I would say the Army has done a really great job of controlling that force of the explosion."

Describing the explosion, he told the BBC: "It was incredibly eerie.

Devon and Cornwall Police

"If there was a gust of wind you could hear the noise of the sand falling from the trees.

"I have never seen anything like this, and I'm not sure I'll get to see it again."

Topics: UK News, Interesting

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19