Czech Experts Safely Detonate WWII Bomb at Chemical Plant

Czech explosive experts successfully detonated a World War II bomb at a chemical plant in northwestern Czech Republic. Despite a few broken windows, no serious damage was reported. The 250-kilogram bomb was discovered last week during construction work and featured a rare chemical delay mechanism.

Czech explosive experts safely detonated a World War II bomb on Friday at a major chemical plant in northwestern Czech Republic, authorities announced.

Aside from minor damage like a few broken windows, the controlled explosion caused no serious harm, according to a police statement. The plant, near Litvinov, belongs to Polish oil company PKN Orlen.

The 250-kilogram bomb, found last week during construction work, had a rare chemical delay mechanism, prompting experts to detonate it on-site. Covered with hundreds of sandbags, the bomb was detonated around noon, with nearby roads closed and trams halted for safety.

Originally located on what was once Czechoslovak territory occupied by Nazi Germany, the plant produced fuel for Nazi troops and was repeatedly targeted by Britain's Royal Air Force during the war.

(With inputs from agencies.)