World War II U.S. bomb found in German city; 10,000 evacuated

MAGDEBURG, Germany, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The discovery of an unexploded half-ton U.S. bomb from World War II in the German city of Magdeburg led to the evacuation of 10,000 people, officials said.

The bomb was found Wednesday during routine checks at a building site at Damaschkeplatz Square, near the city's train station, The Local.de reported.

City authorities ordered the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution. A nursing home and hospital were among buildings evacuated.

A controlled explosion of the bomb was scheduled for Thursday evening, officials said.

A large portion of Magdeburg was destroyed during World War II and several unexploded bombs have been discovered in the city.