MONTEROTONDO, Italy – A 1000-pound World War II aerial bomb, discovered on December 11 in Via Luigi Galvani, Monterotondo Scalo, was successfully rendered safe and detonated today. The operation, which necessitated the precautionary evacuation of approximately 2,500 citizens, concluded without incident, bringing a happy end to what was dubbed the ‘bomb day.’
Complex Operation for a WWII Ordnance
The ordnance, identified as a US AN M65 aerial bomb weighing approximately 450 kilograms, including nearly 250 kg of explosive material, required the specialized intervention of bomb disposal experts from the 6th Engineer Regiment. The poor state of preservation of the device presented a complex challenge for the military personnel.
Precautionary Measures and Evacuation
Operations commenced at dawn, coordinated by the Prefecture and supported by local authorities. A safety perimeter with a radius of 755 meters was established, leading to the evacuation of 2,500 residents. To ensure public safety during the ‘bomb day,’ railway traffic on the regional line was suspended, and a temporary no-fly zone was enforced over the affected airspace.
Protective Structure and Successful Disarming
To minimize the impact on the population and contain the evacuation area, the military personnel from the 6th Regiment constructed a protective containment structure. This structure was designed to mitigate the effects of any accidental explosion during the delicate defusing phases. Once the area was secured, the bomb disposal experts successfully deactivated the fuses. The ordnance was then transported to a nearby quarry, where it was permanently neutralized through controlled detonation.
6th Engineer Regiment’s Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety
Since the beginning of the year, the engineers of the 6th Regiment have conducted over 290 bomb disposal operations, neutralizing nearly 4,000 explosive devices. Their continuous efforts underscore their crucial contribution to public safety across the country.
The successful operation in Monterotondo highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and expert intervention in managing unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, ensuring the safety of communities.
Source: https://www.romatoday.it/cronaca/bomba-monterotondo-neutralizzata-dopo-sgombero.html
