Chania authorities deactivate World War II bomb

A major security operation was conducted in the center of Chania, Crete, following the discovery of a World War II aerial bomb during construction excavations. The ordnance, described in reports as weighing between 70 and 250 kilograms, was located at the intersection of Yampoudaki and Kritovoulidou streets.

Authorities established a 300-meter safety perimeter, leading to the precautionary evacuation of several local schools—including the 4th, 8th, and 20th Primary Schools and the 25th Kindergarten—as well as nearby residences, shops, and offices. Students and teachers were temporarily relocated to Markopoulou Park.

Specialized bomb disposal experts from the Xirás Narcotics Disposal Department (TENX) were deployed from Athens to manage the situation. Following a successful deactivation process, the bomb was transported by military vehicle to a secure facility outside the city for final disposal. The operation concluded around 14:00 on Wednesday, after which road closures were lifted and residents were permitted to return to their homes.