Czech Experts Detonate WWII Bomb at Oil Refinery

Czech explosive experts safely detonated a World War II-era bomb on Friday at the Orlen Unipetrol chemical plant near Litvinov, discovered during construction work on August 21. The 250-kilogram bomb, which had a rare chemical delay mechanism, was detonated on-site to avoid the risks of transportation, resulting in minimal damage, with only a few broken windows reported. Over 580 people were evacuated as a precaution, and nearby roads and tram services were suspended during the controlled explosion. Authorities used hundreds of sandbags to contain the blast and ensure public safety, cordoning off a 1.2-mile radius around the site. The plant, which has halted operations since the discovery, is situated on land once occupied by Nazi Germany, highlighting its historical significance. Operations are expected to gradually resume once the site is deemed safe by experts.