WW2 Bomb Sparks Massive Evacuation in Paris Suburb

Mon Apr 20 2026 00:08:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Thousands of residents in Colombes, a northern suburb of Paris, were evacuated while bomb disposal experts neutralized an unexploded World War II bomb. Here's a brief recap of the dramatic operation.

On Sunday, authorities evacuated thousands from Colombes, Paris, as a WWII bomb was safely detonated. Residents within a 450m radius were instructed to leave home by 07:00. The controlled explosion occurred after an initial attempt to remove the detonator failed. The evacuation order was lifted the same evening, allowing residents to return to their homes. Such bomb discoveries are common in Europe, showcasing the lasting impact of past conflicts.

Thousands of people were evacuated from a northern suburb of Paris while a World War Two bomb was rendered safe on Sunday.

Residents in Colombes living within a 450m radius of where the device was found last month were told by police to leave their homes by 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), as authorities carried out a bomb disposal operation.

An initial attempt to remove the device's detonator failed, leading authorities to destroy the historic munition in situ with a controlled explosion.

The operation was carried out successfully and the evacuation order was lifted by early Sunday evening, as confirmed by the Préfet des Hauts-de-Seine.

The bomb was discovered on April 10 during construction work on Rue des Champarons. Authorities secured the site and covered the device with sand while preparations for its removal were underway.

Local officials had previously warned that the operation required a high level of preparation due to the risks involved.

Nearly 800 police officers were deployed to enforce a 900m-wide evacuation zone, with additional restrictions placed on those in a wider area who could remain indoors.

Residents received emergency alerts to vacate their homes and were instructed to secure their windows. One resident shared that, despite advisories, many left without taking belongings.

Reception centers were set up for those displaced, especially to assist vulnerable individuals needing medical care.

The controlled detonation occurred at 15:20 on Sunday, with authorities lifting the evacuation order shortly after 16:00.

Discoveries of undetonated WWII bombs are still fairly common in Europe, illustrating the war's lingering repercussions. Past incidents have led to evacuations in urban centers, notably in London, where similar risks have been reported.