A WWII "Sleeper" Wakes: 1,000-Pound Bomb Found in Hong Kong, Forcing 6,000-Person Evacuation

Quarry Bay, Hong Kong — A quiet day of construction in Hong Kong's bustling Quarry Bay was shattered by a stark echo from the past: the discovery of a live, U.S.-made, 1,000-pound World War II bomb. The unexpected find triggered an immediate, large-scale emergency response, leading to the overnight evacuation of nearly 6,000 residents from their homes as elite bomb disposal experts initiated a high-stakes defusal operation.

The Discovery and Immediate Danger

The unexploded ordnance (UXO), measuring approximately 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) in length and weighing over 450 kilograms, was unearthed late Friday at a construction site on Pan Hoi Street. Its sheer size and remarkably preserved condition raised immediate alarm. Police authorities confirmed the bomb's explosive payload was "practically intact," presenting an imminent threat to the densely populated urban area surrounding the site.

The Coordinated Emergency Response

In a testament to Hong Kong's robust public safety protocols, the response was swift and decisive. Over 1,900 households received urgent evacuation orders, with residents directed to temporary shelters. The area, a vibrant mix of residential and business premises, was cordoned off as a team from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau moved in.

Working meticulously through the night and into Saturday morning, the EOD team deployed specialized safety measures, including the strategic placement of sandbags to contain any potential blast. Their expert and careful efforts paid off. The bomb was successfully and safely deactivated by Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with no injuries or damage reported.

Historical Context: A Legacy of the Pacific War

This dramatic event is a tangible link to a long-forgotten chapter of Hong Kong's history. Military historians, including Professor Kwong Chi-man, suggest the bomb was likely dropped by the U.S. Army Air Forces on April 2, 1945. According to historical records and geospatial analysis, U.S. bombers targeted the nearby Taikoo Dockyard , a critical industrial hub at the time and dropped several 1,000-pound bombs in the vicinity.

The discovery underscores a persistent reality for the city. As Hong Kong continues to develop and build upon its historical foundations, these "sleepers from the past" unexploded bombs from the Second World War , periodically surface, reminding residents of the conflict's enduring legacy.

Why Unexploded Bombs Remain a Modern-Day Threat

Experts highlight several key factors that make these historical relics a modern public safety concern:

• Corrosion vs. Content: While the bomb's casing may be over 75 years old and corroded, its internal explosive mechanisms can remain highly sensitive and volatile. The integrity of the explosive material can be surprisingly resilient.
• Urbanization: The dense urban development of areas like Quarry Bay means that construction work, deep digging, and piling can easily disturb buried ordnance, triggering a potential catastrophe.
• Population Density: The sheer number of people living and working in these areas makes any discovery a major public safety risk. The rapid evacuation of thousands highlights the scale of the potential danger.

The successful defusal operation not only neutralized a significant threat but also served as a powerful reminder for the public and urban planners alike: in a city like Hong Kong, history isn't always in a museum sometimes, it's buried just beneath your feet.