Aarschot – Two children, Ferre and Febe, discovered an old bomb while using a metal detector in a field in Wolfsdonk, Aarschot. Their mother, Karen Naulaerts, promptly alerted the police and the bomb disposal team Dovo, who planned to safely defuse the device, reports 24brussels.
The incident occurred when the children’s metal detector signaled the presence of metal underground. Upon digging, their mother recognized the object’s potential danger, which led her to instruct them to exercise caution and contact authorities.
Local authorities were notified to evaluate and safely handle the situation, as the find is believed to be an unexploded bomb from previous conflicts, which are often hidden in rural areas like Wolfsdonk. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and refrain from touching unfamiliar objects.
After the discovery, Naulaerts quickly contacted the police. Upon their arrival, the officers secured the area and documented the object before sending images to Dovo. The bomb disposal team assured there was no immediate danger and scheduled a controlled detonation either the same day or the following day. Police established a safety perimeter to protect the public.
Naulaerts remarked she was unfamiliar with the specifics of the bomb’s type and age. She highlighted that this was one of Ferre’s initial opportunities to use the metal detector in this region, expressing appreciation for his time spent outdoors during his vacation, rather than in front of screens.
What happened when a 500-kg WWII bomb was found near Tommelen nature reserve in Hasselt?
In May 2021, a significant World War II bomb weighing 500 kilograms was uncovered near the Tommelen nature reserve in Hasselt, Limburg. Approximately 300 residents within a 250-meter radius were evacuated while experts managed the situation.
A secure zone was established around the bomb site. The bomb disposal team SEDEE carefully extracted the detonators and removed the bomb, causing temporary closures of nearby roads and train lines, including the E313 highway, during the operation.
