A rare bomb left over from World War II has been found at a major petrochemical factory in the Czech Republic.
The bomb contains a unique chemical mechanism that can delay its explosion. As a precautionary measure, the factory has been partially closed and a safety perimeter established, according to Czech police.
The hefty 250-kilogramme British aircraft bomb was discovered on Wednesday by workers in Zaluzi, about 100 kilometres northwest of Prague.
The factory, owned by Polish oil giant Orlen, was forced to shut down its oil refinery indefinitely. The evacuation of 600 people was ordered and a safety perimeter of one and a half square kilometres imposed.
“The danger and rareness of the discovery lies in the ignition mechanism,” the Czech police stated. Due to its distinct chemical composition, the detonation could be deferred “for up to 144 hours or six days.”
The Czech explosive experts have sought assistance from German counterparts experienced with such bombs.
During the German occupation, the petrochemical factory contributed to the Nazi war effort and was targeted by Allied bombings in 1944.
