Unexploded aerial bomb sparks evacuation in Czech city

PRAGUE -- Authorities in the Czech city of Brno initiated an evacuation on Monday after an unexploded aerial bomb was discovered at a construction site, police reported.

The bomb was found near the intersection of Jihlavska and Dlouha streets in the Brno-Bohunice district, prompting officials to evacuate the surrounding area and close nearby roads.

"On-site pyrotechnicians are assessing the situation and determining the next steps. The evacuation of eight apartment buildings is still ongoing," police stated on social media platform X, urging the public to follow official instructions.

According to the Czech News Agency, the evacuation may have affected hundreds of residents as local police worked to ensure public safety.

About two hours after announcing the discovery, police confirmed on X that pyrotechnicians had managed to deactivate the nearly 50-kg aerial bomb.

"They will now transport it to a safe location and subsequently dispose of it. Evacuated residents can return to their homes," police said.