Following the discovery of a wartime bomb in Quarry Bay yesterday, an evacuation and bomb disposal operation was conducted to resolve the crisis in a safe and orderly manner.

In a roundup report tonight on the incident, the Government said the departments involved swiftly activated their emergency mechanisms, worked closely together and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and teamwork.

Throughout the entire process, various sectors of society actively provided support and assistance. Citizens displayed exemplary orderliness, complete understanding and full co-operation, reflecting the outstanding qualities of Hong Kong people and resulting in a successful resolution.

Police received a report at noon yesterday that a suspected bomb was discovered at a construction site at 16-94 Pan Hoi Street, North Point. Officers were deployed to the scene to carry out the investigation and handling arrangements.

Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EODB) officers confirmed that the bomb was a cylindrical American aerial bomb from World War II, approximately 150cm in length, weighing about 1,000 pounds and containing 500 pounds of high explosives, posing a significant danger.

The Security Bureau swiftly mobilised nearly 500 personnel from Police, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) to participate in the emergency response operation.

The Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre was immediately activated to fully co-ordinate and support the Government’s cross-departmental emergency work.

In preparation for the disposal operation, Police conducted a comprehensive impact assessment, and evacuated occupants from 18 residential or commercial buildings nearby, to ensure public safety and minimise the impact on the public.

EODB officers started the bomb disposal operation last night and successfully completed it at 11.48am today. The cordon was lifted immediately after that.

The FSD deployed a total of 58 fire and ambulance vehicles, and mobilised 224 fire and ambulance personnel during the incident. Co-ordinating with Police, the FSD ultimately evacuated a total of 2,887 residents.

In addition, the FSD collaborated with the AMS and Hong Kong St John Ambulance to assist residents with special needs, transporting five residents who were feeling unwell to the hospital, and another six people to other suitable accommodations.

After the disposal operation was completed, the FSD dispatched the newly introduced mass conveyance ambulance to take eight people in need and with limited mobility back home.

Around 450 residents stayed in the 19 temporary shelters set up by the Home Affairs Department last night in response to the evacuation. The District Office arranged coaches to take those in need to the shelters. Similar arrangements were made today to take them home.

District Council members, together with District Services & Community Care Teams members and volunteers assisted residents in need at the affected buildings and temporary shelters.

In addition, the Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre operated round the clock to oversee the orderly implementation of various special traffic and transport arrangements.

The Government said the swift, safe and smooth resolution of the bomb disposal situation hinged on the close co-operation of various government departments and their dedication to duty, and the active co-operation and support of Care Teams, community service organisations as well as the affected citizens.

It thanks the public and the participating organisations and institutions for their support and collaboration.