Quarry Bay bomb discovery: WWII explosive set to be neutralized by 2pm

The Hong Kong police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau are racing to neutralize a 1,000-pound World War II-era bomb unearthed at a Quarry Bay construction site, with experts now burning off its volatile explosives, targeting a 2pm wrap-up on Saturday to allow thousands of displaced residents to return home.

The 1,000-pound World War II-era bomb was discovered at a construction site on Hoi Pan Street in Quarry Bay which prompted a large-scale evacuation and a bomb disposal operation on Friday.

The Hong Kong Police, led by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau, are working to neutralize the device under challenging conditions, with the operation expected to conclude by 2pm today.

The bomb was uncovered around noon on September 19 (Fri), leading authorities to evacuate 18 commercial and residential buildings, affecting approximately 1,900 households and 6,000 residents, by 11pm that evening. 

Under the influence of a No. 3 typhoon signal, EOD teams began defusing the bomb at 2am today, aiming to complete the process within 12 hours. 

According to the latest updates, specialists have successfully cut open the bomb’s casing and are burning off the explosives inside.

The police expect to fully neutralize the bomb by 2pm today, allowing residents to return home safely. 

Authorities have urged the public to stay clear of the area until the operation is complete.