WWII bomb detonates, kills three

GOTTINGEN, Germany, June 2 (UPI) -- A World War II bomb being deactivated in the German city of Gottingen exploded, killing three and injuring two, officials said.

Gottingen city spokesman Detlef Johannson said members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of Lower Saxony were among the dead in Tuesday's explosion, BILD.de reported Wednesday.

Fire Department spokesman Frank Gloth said about 7,200 people had been evacuated during the bomb disposal operation and the disposal unit was prepping to disarm the bomb's detonator when the device blew up.

"Then the bomb exploded," Gloth said. "A total of 13 members of the bomb disposal team were in action. We're all shocked here. A few days ago the disarmament of a similar bomb went smoothly."