Thousands Evacuated in Paris for WWII Bomb Disposal

On April 10, 2023, a World War II bomb was discovered during construction work on Rue des Champarons in Colombes, a northern suburb of Paris. Authorities secured the site and covered the device with sand while preparing for its removal. On Sunday, April 16, residents within a 450-meter radius were ordered to evacuate by 07:00 local time as bomb disposal experts prepared for a controlled detonation. Nearly 800 police officers were deployed to enforce a 900-meter-wide evacuation zone, with a secondary zone extending one kilometer that allowed residents to remain indoors but restricted outdoor activities.

Initial attempts to remove the bomb's detonator were unsuccessful, leading authorities to opt for a controlled explosion to safely dispose of the device. Local official Alexandre Brugère described the operation as "risky" and requiring a "high level of preparation." Emergency alerts were issued to residents, instructing them to leave their homes and secure their windows and doors. One resident, Alida, recounted, “The authorities told us to close our windows and shutters when we left the house, but we didn’t take anything – we left everything as it was.”

The controlled detonation occurred at approximately 15:20 local time, with the evacuation order lifted shortly after 16:00. The operation was deemed successful, with the bomb destroyed in a 6.5-foot-deep pit. Footage from the scene showed rusted metal fragments contained within reinforced sand barriers. Reception centers were established for those displaced, providing support for vulnerable residents requiring medical assistance.

The Sun - US

Undetonated World War II bombs continue to be discovered across Europe, posing significant risks, particularly in urban areas where populations are dense. Such discoveries often occur during construction activities, leading to evacuations and disruptions. In recent years, similar incidents have been reported in London, where dozens of bombs have been found, resulting in the temporary closure of tourist hotspots and even London City Airport. In 2025, a 1,100-pound bomb was defused near Gare du Nord in Paris, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by these historical munitions.

The Sun - US

The Préfet des Hauts-de-Seine confirmed the successful completion of the bomb disposal operation, emphasizing the importance of safety measures taken during the evacuation and detonation processes. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety in the face of such historical hazards.

While reports consistently indicate the bomb was discovered on April 10 and detonated on April 16, discrepancies exist regarding the exact radius of the evacuation zones, with some sources citing 450 meters and others mentioning 1,476 feet (approximately 450 meters). Further clarification from authorities may be necessary to resolve these inconsistencies.

The Sun - US

• “The authorities told us to close our windows and shutters when we left the house, but we didn’t take anything – we left everything as it was.” — Alida, Resident

The Sun - US

• “Ahead of the operation, local official Alexandre Brugère said the task was “risky” and required a “high level of preparation”.” — Alexandre Brugère, Local Official

The Sun - US

• “carried out successfully” — Préfet des Hauts-de-Seine