WWII bomb deactivated in Greece after forcing massive evacuation – WBNews

Updated February 13, 2017 01:47:31 A World War Two bomb has forced a massive evacuation in Greece’s second-largest city, but also gave a group of stranded refugees a rare day-trip to the museum. Key points: The evacuation is one of biggest in peacetime Up to 72,000 people asked to leave their homes for a short time A group of refugees visit museum, tourist site while bomb being defused The bomb was deactivated by specialists by midday on Sunday local time, and was taken from the site just to the west of central Thessaloniki to a military shooting range to be destroyed. Up to 72,000 residents living within a two kilometre radius of the bomb site had been asked to leave their homes for local gyms, stadiums and cafes. Many people left the area in their cars, but some were bused to schools and sports halls elsewhere in the city. The 250 kilogram bomb was discovered about five metres below ground during excavation works at a petrol station last week. “Phase two of the bomb removal operation was successfully completed. Citizens can safely return to their homes,” Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas wrote on Twitter. Calling the operation “a total success,” he said it was the largest peacetime population evacuation in Greece. “We heard on TV that, if the bomb explodes, it will be like a strong earthquake,” resident Michalis Papanos said as he and his wife, Yiannoula, headed out of their home For one group of refugees and migrants the discovery…more detail