Thousands of residents in Plymouth received an emergency alert on their mobile phones on Friday, urging them to evacuate before a suspected Second World War explosive device is moved for disposal at sea.
Devon and Cornwall Police were summoned to St Michael Avenue in the Keyham area of Plymouth on Tuesday morning after the object was discovered in a garden. Since then, a 300-meter cordon has been established around the site, impacting 1,219 properties and approximately 3,250 individuals.
Plymouth City Council announced on Friday that the bomb would be transported by military convoy to the Torpoint Ferry slipway for disposal at sea. Residents living within 300 meters of the route were instructed to vacate their homes by 2 pm for their safety.
The emergency alert, issued by Plymouth City Council, notified recipients of the bomb’s transportation schedule and advised them to avoid the cordoned area during the operation. The bomb disposal experts deemed the sea detonation as the safest option, considering the potential risk of significant damage if the bomb were detonated at its current location.
The military convoy, expected to take 20 minutes, would necessitate the closure of the main train line, suspension of ferries, and diversion of buses. Schools, nurseries, and businesses within the cordon area were also instructed to close and evacuate.
Giles Perritt, assistant chief executive of Plymouth City Council, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort involving over 1,000 staff and officers to ensure the safe removal of the bomb. He emphasized the meticulous planning and risk management involved in executing the operation.
The evacuation operation underscores the dedication of emergency responders and military personnel to mitigate risks and safeguard human life amidst potentially hazardous situations.
