On Tuesday, 17 February, two unexploded aircraft bombs from the Second World War were safely detonated at the former Soesterberg Air Base. The discovery was made during soil research in the area where the Province of Utrecht is working on the development of a nature reserve and a new residential neighborhood.
The air base was a target of heavy bombings during the war years. As a result, explosives may still be present in the soil. On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Government Real Estate Agency is conducting extensive research. Specialists use advanced detection equipment to search for ammunition remnants and other suspicious objects in the ground.
Safe clearance
During this research, two aircraft bombs were discovered. They were covered with a thick layer of sand and detonated remotely according to strict safety protocols.
Local residents were informed in advance about the work.
Important step towards residential area
According to Evert-Jan Roelofsen, director of Hart van de Heuvelrug, detecting and clearing explosives is a necessary step in area development: “Once the soil is declared safe, we can proceed. Todays detonation marks the next phase in realizing a future-proof residential area and the surrounding nature reserve.”
Watch the video below to see how the two Second World War aircraft bombs were detonated.
This video is not displayed because you have not yet given permission to place third-party cookies. Accept cookies and reload this page to watch the video or watch it on https://youtu.be/KTLJJ2dWYwY external link.
If you previously refused cookies, you can still accept them here.
On Tuesday, 17 February, two unexploded aircraft bombs from the Second World War were safely detonated at the former Soesterberg Air Base. The discovery was made during soil research in the area where the Province of Utrecht is working on the development of a nature reserve and a new residential neighborhood.
For press information:
bernadet.naber@provincie-utrecht.nl
0634543242