Construction at the expansive three-runway system project at Hong Kong International Airport ground to a halt late Tuesday morning after workers unearthed a suspected unexploded ordnance, prompting an immediate evacuation and the deployment of bomb disposal experts. The incident occurred at approximately 11:58 a.m. at the Chek Lap Kok site when construction personnel discovered a metallic object believed to be a remnant of World War II-era conflict. Police subsequently cordoned off the area as specialists prepared to assess and neutralize the device.
The discovery involved an object measuring roughly 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and 7 centimeters (3 inches) in diameter, consistent with the size and shape of smaller, unexploded aerial bombs or artillery shells typically found in the region. Following established emergency protocols, construction workers ceased operations and promptly evacuated the immediate vicinity while police were alerted.
Hong Kong’s Explosive Legacy
The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a frequent challenge for major construction projects across Hong Kong, particularly those involving extensive excavation near the coast. The city was heavily bombed during the 1941 Battle of Hong Kong and subsequent years of occupation, leaving behind significant hidden dangers. While larger, more powerful bombs capture headlines, smaller shells and grenades are routinely unearthed.
The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau was dispatched to the scene shortly after the report. EOD technicians follow a meticulous process that typically involves:
- Assessment: Confirming the object is indeed ordnance and identifying its type and state.
- Containment: Implementing safety measures to prevent accidental detonation.
- Disposal: Neutralizing the device, often through controlled on-site detonation or safe transport to a secure location for destruction.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact type or condition of the device found at the airport site. The crucial three-runway expansion, one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the city, aims to boost the airport’s capacity and maintain Hong Kong’s status as a regional aviation hub. Delays, while inconvenient, underscore the necessity of stringent safety procedures when working on coastal reclamation land that often served as wartime dumping or target zones.
Broader Context and Safety Measures
The continuous discovery of UXO serves as a stark reminder of Hong Kong’s violent wartime history. Experts note that while the largest devices tend to be found during initial dredging and piling, residual smaller ordnance can be buried at varying depths, necessitating ongoing vigilance.
“Any time you encounter a device of this size, even if heavily corroded, the primary concern is the stability of the explosive filler,” noted a security analyst familiar with regional EOD operations, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of police procedures. “The fact that construction crews immediately followed evacuation protocols is critical for safety.”
The incident did not appear to impact existing flight operations at Hong Kong International Airport. Once the EOD team successfully neutralizes the suspected bomb, work is expected to resume quickly on the massive infrastructure project. Airport authorities and contractors maintain close collaboration with police EOD units to manage the inherent risks associated with developing historical wartime areas. Residents and workers are frequently reminded to immediately report any suspicious metallic objects and never attempt to move or handle them.
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