A World War II-era bomb exploded in the coastal town of Great Yarmouth, England, on Feb. 10, as a team of experts attempted to disarm it, according to authorities.
A team of bomb disposal experts had been working to diffuse it since the 550-pound explosive device was discovered on Feb. 7 by contractors during dredging work near the River Yare at a site off Southtown Road.
“Most roads reopened in those locations. Southtown Road remains closed while necessary checks on damage take place,” the agency stated, noting that people could return to their homes.
Drone footage released by police captured the moment of the massive blast on the banks of the River Yare, which was heard by residents from miles away.
“I live on Ordnance Road on the opposite side of the river. When that went off I jumped out of my skin,” a person who lives near the area of the blast wrote on Twitter, commenting on the video.
Sheila Oxtoby, chief executive of the Great Yarmouth borough council, applauded first responders for their work as she thanked residents for their patience and understanding.
“This has been an unsettling time for many people, most of all for those who were evacuated from their homes,” Oxtoby said. “Safety of the public has been at the heart of decision-making throughout this multi-agency operation.”
“As we often see in these types of incidents, our local communities have pulled together to support each other, following the advice of emergency services and playing their part in keeping everyone safe,” she said. “I’d like to thank everyone involved for bringing this to a safe conclusion and we will continue to help those residents displaced.”
The massive explosion sent debris flying into the air and officials said they have been working to clear most of the debris from Southtown Road, noting that repairs on the surface of damaged roads are underway.
