The incredible moment the suspected Second World War device was detonated has been caught on camera. Dozens of people took to the streets of Exeter and surrounding areas to get a glimpse of the action on Glenthorne Road – and it didn’t disappoint.
The huge bang, which has been compared to “a thunder crack crossed with a loud firework”, was heard by residents over 15 miles away.
Eileen Steele tweeted: “Heard a huge *boom* at about 6.15pm, which turns out to have been the controlled explosion of the WW2 bomb found yesterday in Exeter.
“We’re about 15 miles away, so goodness knows what it sounded like in the city itself. #ExeterBomb I bet the @Proud_Sappers were in charge.”
The National Police Air Service South West helicopter captured fascinating footage from above on an Infrared camera with the “white hot mode selected showing heat as white” – which can be watched at the top of this article.
“A massive multi-agency operation with a successful zero casualty outcome,” NPAS added.
The University of Exeter also shared incredible footage captured by Exeter City Council – which can be viewed below.
In the video, black smoke is launched into the air and then billows across the city. Car alarms were heard sounding, as well as birds which were with no doubt scared by the explosion.
The National Police Air Service helicopter could also be heard hovering above.
Devon and Cornwall Police shared the same footage and said: “UPDATE: This is the moment a WW2 bomb was detonated in #Exeter. Image courtesy of Exeter City Council.
“Police would like to thank the residents of Exeter, particularly the 2,600 evacuated households and our partner agencies who have worked so hard to ensure the safety of all.”
Footage captured by Mark Campbell – which can be watched below – showed a group of people eagerly awaiting the explosion near to Exeter St David’s Railway Station, close to the cordon.
