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.