Hong Kong detonates massive World War II bomb

HONG KONG, Sep 6 (Reuters) Hong Kong police evacuated hundreds of people from a densely populated area of the main island before detonating a World War II bomb discovered during construction work, local media reported.

The 180 kg bomb, believed to be the second largest found in Hong Kong, was dug up by construction workers at North Point in the east of Hong Kong island yesterday, the South China Morning Post reported.

Around 800 people were evacuated from nearby buildings before police triggered two controlled explosions to destroy the rusting, oval-shaped weapon, the Post reported.

Wartime bombs are found periodically in Hong Kong, which was occupied by Japan from 1941-1945.

Local history expert Siu Kwok-kin was quoted as saying there used to be an oil depot in North Point which Japanese bombers had targeted.

REUTERS RJ MSJ RAI1120