HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of residents in Hong Kong were evacuated overnight as bomb disposal experts worked to neutralize a large U.S.-made bomb that dates back to World War II. The discovery was made at a construction site in Quarry Bay, a busy residential and commercial area located on the western side of Hong Kong Island.

According to police reports, the bomb measured 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) in length and weighed approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms). It was unearthed by construction workers, prompting immediate action due to the potential danger the device posed.

Andy Chan Tin-Chu, a police official involved in the operation, confirmed the bomb's origins and noted the exceptional risks associated with its disposal. Thus, authorities urged about 1,900 households, encompassing roughly 6,000 individuals, to evacuate swiftly from the vicinity to ensure their safety during the defusal operation.

The operation commenced late Friday and continued until around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the course of the bomb disposal efforts, highlighting the effective coordination among the emergency services and law enforcement personnel involved in the endeavor.

Occurrences of World War II ordnance being uncovered are not uncommon in Hong Kong. The city was under Japanese occupation during the war, which turned it into a significant base for Japanese military operations and shipping activities. As a result, the United States and other Allied forces frequently targeted Hong Kong with air raids aimed at disrupting Japanese supply lines and their infrastructure.

This incident serves as a reminder of Hong Kong's turbulent history during World War II and the lingering remnants of that era, which occasionally pose risks to the current urban environment. The swift response by authorities and the evacuation of residents reflect a proactive approach to managing potential threats in densely populated areas.

In conclusion, the safe handling of the bomb and the prompt actions taken by law enforcement illustrate the importance of public safety measures in urban settings, particularly in locations with a historical background of military conflict. The vigilance of construction workers, combined with the swift response from police and bomb disposal teams, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of thousands of residents during this potentially dangerous situation.