A World War II-era bomb was successfully defused in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, on October 20, 2024. The 104-kilogram English-made aerial bomb was discovered near the Transalpina train station during construction work, prompting the evacuation of approximately 4,200 residents from both sides of the Slovenian-Italian border.
Key Takeaways
- A 104 kg WWII bomb was defused in Nova Gorica.
- Around 4,200 residents were evacuated as a precaution.
- This marks the fourth cross-border evacuation due to unexploded ordnance in the area.
Discovery of the Bomb
The bomb was unearthed on September 23, 2024, by construction workers renovating the Nova Gorica train station. This incident marks the eighth bomb found at the same site, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with unexploded ordnance in the region.
Evacuation Process
Before the defusal operation began, residents within a 600-meter radius on the Italian side and a 400-meter radius on the Slovenian side were evacuated. The evacuation was executed smoothly, with local authorities reporting no significant issues. Sirens sounded at 8 AM, signaling the start of the evacuation, and residents were allowed to return home by 10:36 AM after the all-clear was given.
The Defusal Operation
The defusal operation commenced at 10 AM and lasted approximately 30 minutes. Although the technicians faced challenges in removing the bomb’s fuse, they successfully completed the task within the planned timeframe. Darko Zonjič, head of the national unexploded ordnance (UXO) protection unit, noted that the fuse had been damaged, complicating the extraction process. However, with the assistance of Austrian bomb technicians, the team was able to adapt and resolve the issue.
Cross-Border Cooperation
The operation was closely monitored by local officials, including Nova Gorica’s mayor, Samo Turel, and Gorizia’s prefect, Raffaele Ricciardi. Both officials praised the effective cross-border collaboration that facilitated the evacuation and defusal process. This incident underscores the importance of cooperation between Slovenia and Italy in managing the risks posed by unexploded ordnance.
Ongoing Risks and Future Operations
Following the successful defusal, the bomb will be transported to a secure location for disposal within three months. Authorities are also preparing to scan an additional third of the train station area, as there is a possibility of discovering more unexploded bombs. Since the beginning of the construction project, a total of 49 unexploded ordnance items have been removed from the site, weighing over one ton in total.
Historical Context
The area around Nova Gorica has a significant historical context, having been a strategic location during World War II. The train station was bombed multiple times by Allied forces, leading to the presence of unexploded ordnance in the region. Recent efforts have also uncovered remnants from World War I, further emphasizing the area’s tumultuous past.
As the local authorities continue to address the risks associated with unexploded ordnance, they remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents and preserving the historical integrity of the region.
Sources
- Un’altra bomba disinnescata tra Nova Gorica e Gorizia, rtvslo.si.
- The Slovenia Times, The Slovenia Times.
