Montebello Vicentino witnessed a significant operation on December 15, 2024, as military personnel from the 8th Paratroopers Engineers Regiment "Folgore" addressed the urgent task of disposing of a World War II bomb discovered earlier last month. The bomb, weighing 227 kilograms and known as "Country girl," was unearthed on November 5 during the construction of the high-speed railway project.
At the crack of dawn on December 15, the local authorities sprang to action, implementing precautionary measures to guarantee public safety during what has been labeled the "Bomba Day." Evacuation plans were put firmly in place as officials engaged with residents living within a 468-meter radius of the bomb’s discovery site at Contrada Ronchi.
According to the Mayor of Montebello Vicentino, Dino Magnabosco, “The operation is complicated and requires the evacuation of the residents.” With approximately 94 people required to leave their homes, the local government mobilized various services to offer assistance and supervision.
The day's operations included the closure of all vehicular traffic routes encompassing the A4 motorway and the Milan-Venice railway line, not just for the evacuation but also for the effective management of the disarmament procedures. Coming as part of a coordinated effort, the Prefecture of Vicenza mandated the suspension of all traffic on these significant arteries, with diversions directed onto alternative routes.
From 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM, residents faced significant interruptions, with the A4 closed between Montebello and Montecchio and railway services halted between Verona and Vicenza. The disruption was necessary to pave the way for the deactivation and destruction of the unexploded ordinance.
“We have ensured the safety of our citizens by organizing the evacuation effectively,” commented Emanuele Cassaro, the Deputy Prefect of Vicenza. His acknowledgment highlights the extensive coordination between various emergency services, law enforcement, and local government entities, underlining the importance of collective preparedness.
By mid-morning, the nerves began to settle as the operation progressed systematically. The bomb's disarming took place successfully, with the bomb squad working under tight yet careful scrutiny to neutralize any potential risks. The event attracted attention from local media and onlookers, hoping for the safe resolution of the situation.
At approximately 12:45 PM, with the operations concluding, the Vice Prefect confirmed the re-opening of both the railway and the sections of the motorway, allowing evacuated residents to return home earlier than initially anticipated. “The bomb has been successfully neutralized and destroyed,” stated Daniele D’Ambrogio, the Commander of the 8th Regiment, providing some reassurance to the public.
The demolition of the bomb occurred later, at around 4:50 PM, at the Manfrinato pit located in Alonte, signaling the end of the emergency with officials ensuring thorough evaluations of the event’s outcome. “This morning’s successful operation showcases the professional capabilities of our explosives experts,” D’Ambrogio added post-operation.
This undertaking not only highlights the historical consequences of World War II's residual impacts on modern infrastructure projects but also emphasizes the importance of stringent safety protocols when dealing with potentially dangerous artifacts from the past.
Following the destruction, residents expressed gratitude for the well-coordinated efforts of local authorities and military personnel, highlighting community resilience and readiness to confront challenges presented by such unforeseen events.
Moving forward, officials plan to assess the operation’s effectiveness to improve future responses should similar situations arise. The successful dismantling of the bomb stands as a victory for safety and cooperation among local governing bodies, public servants, and the community.
