A mustard gas bomb dating back to the First World War unexpectedly detonated on a farm in Langemark, West Flanders, causing significant damage to machinery but sparing any human casualties.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a farmer moved a bale of straw into his barn, inadvertently triggering the bomb’s detonator.
The explosion startled the rural community and caused considerable destruction. Local fire captain Dirk Vandekerckhove described the event as alarming.
“The explosion was significant, causing major damage to agricultural machines. No one was injured, but people were very frightened; it could have been much worse,” Vandekerckhove told the VRT channel.
The historic ordnance was concealed within the bale of straw and had lain dormant for more than a century. After the initial explosion, the bomb was relocated onto another vehicle, which unexpectedly prompted a chemical leak.
“A puddle of liquid formed under the bomb,” recounted the farmer who made the chilling discovery. Tests later confirmed the substance as mustard gas, or yperite, a chemical weapon first used extensively during the First World War in the nearby city of Ypres.
A Lethal Legacy
Mustard gas, known for its devastating effects during wartime, is a highly toxic and corrosive agent. It poses severe risks to human health, including blistering skin, respiratory damage, and, in high concentrations, death.
“Yperite is a very aggressive and dangerous substance,” explained Captain Vandekerckhove. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he promptly involved a specialized firefighting team from Westhoek to neutralize the contamination.
“The contamination was neutralized by professionals trained for such hazardous materials,” Vandekerckhove confirmed.
Potential Catastrophe Avoided
While no evacuation order was issued for the area, experts noted that a full detonation of the bomb could have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
“If the entire bomb had exploded, it would have been a disaster,” Vandekerckhove stated. In addition to the chemical hazards posed by mustard gas, the physical blast would have caused substantial damage to nearby structures.
Bomb disposal experts assessed the scene and removed the unexploded remnants safely. Their analysis suggested that if the bomb had detonated entirely, it could have destroyed parts of the farmer’s cow barn.
A Grim Reminder
Langemark, situated near Ypres, remains one of the areas most heavily impacted by the lingering remnants of the First World War. Unexploded ordnance, including shells and chemical weapons, continues to surface during construction, farming, and excavation projects.
Authorities urge residents and workers in the region to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects immediately to ensure safe removal.
Saturday’s incident is a stark reminder of the enduring hazards posed by wartime munitions. Despite over a century having passed since the First World War, the explosive and chemical remnants of conflict continue to threaten lives and property.
Local officials and experts have emphasized the importance of exercising caution and have commended the swift response that prevented the incident from escalating into a larger tragedy.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
