World War II explosive destroyed in Leiderdorp

A World War II explosive was discovered during dredging operations in the Oude Rijn between Hazerswoude-Rijndijk and Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk on Wednesday. Although the object was not deemed immediately dangerous, authorities decided to destroy it as a precaution because traces of gunpowder could not be ruled out.

Following the discovery, the area was cordoned off for investigation by a police explosives expert. The Explosieven Opruimingsdienst Defensie (EOD) was subsequently called to manage the disposal. The projectile was transported to the Vadedo-plas in Leiderdorp for a controlled detonation.

Leiderdorp Mayor Tjarda Struijk participated in the process, receiving information from the EOD before personally pressing the button to trigger the explosion. Struijk noted that the sound was quite intense and described the experience as being ‘deeply impressed’ by the event.