Joint Base detonates 500-pound World War II bomb discovered in Middlesex County

     (File photo/US Navy)

    (File photo/US Navy)

    The ground shook near a New Jersey military base as an explosives team detonated a 500-pound World War II bomb.

    The unexploded ordnance was taken to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after it was discovered in Middlesex County yesterday. 

    NJ.com reported that the bomb was found at Middlesex County College during excavation for a new building. 

    The school was built on the grounds of the former U.S. Army Raritan Arsenal, which stored ordnance and military supplies, closing in 1963. 

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    Authorities determined that evacuations were unnecessary and established a 500-foot perimeter, according to the NJ.com report. 

    The base says the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team determined that, after careful consideration, it was too dangerous and required an immediate detonation response. 

    They safely detonated the bomb at 11 p.m. after an announcement on the base’s Facebook page. 

    “Big thanks to the EOD team for keeping us all safe!” a base release said. 

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    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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