WWII bomb discovered in Budapest during dredging works

An American Second World War bomb was uncovered in Budapest’s Csepel district this week, prompting a carefully coordinated military operation to neutralise and remove the device, the Hungarian Defence Forces confirmed.

US bomb discovered in Budapest’s Csepel district

The GP-250 bomb (a US-manufactured aerial explosive equipped with both nose and tail fuzes) was found during dredging works in the Petrol Bay area of the Free Port. The discovery was reported to the Hungarian Defence Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) hotline after workers noticed a suspected explosive lying partly embedded in the mud on a barge.

According to the MH 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal and River Flotilla Regiment, the device was examined on site by EOD team commander Warrant Officer József Volter, who identified it as an active Second World War munition. Due to its precarious position and the need to ensure safe working conditions, the disposal procedure could only begin in the evening.

The fuzes were safely destroyed

Specialist EOD personnel successfully removed both fuzes from the mud-covered bomb, transporting them to a designated location where they were safely destroyed. With the bomb casing now rendered inert, the regiment’s River Boat Detachment provided a naval vessel to assist with secure transport.

The disarmed bomb was carried from the MH military port and transferred to the Hungarian Defence Forces’ central collection site, where it will be destroyed at a later date.

Finding historic explosives in Hungary is not unheard of

Such historic discoveries are not uncommon across Hungary, where large quantities of unexploded ordnance remain buried after heavy bombardments during the Second World War. However, authorities emphasised that the operation in Csepel was carried out without the need for evacuations and posed no risk to residents.

The Defence Forces thanked both the dredging crews and the public for their cooperation, noting that swift reporting and adherence to safety protocols ensured the successful and safe completion of the mission.

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