A World War II bomb exploded in West Honiara, near the rugby stadium, on Tuesday evening, injuring one person and causing widespread panic among local residents. The explosion occurred around 6:30 PM and was witnessed by Robert Iroga, the publisher of Solomon Business Magazine Online, who lives nearby. He assumed that the explosion was due to a tree that had been burning for five days.
The incident has raised concerns about unexploded ordnance in the Solomon Islands. This unexploded ordnance remnant is from the perilous legacy of WWII’s fierce battle. Tens of thousands, from grenades to mortars to artillery shells, are littered across the contested region. This poses continuous hazards to the local community.
Witness Account of the Explosion
Mr. Iroga described the moment of the explosion, stating, “It was around 6:30 PM yesterday when a huge boom exploded just opposite the rugby stadium and it caused a lot of panic.” He told me informing that the fire had been burning for a week already. It had moved to the root system of the tree that was closest to the bomb site.
The spotting explosion injured the single survivor, who was apparently seated near enough to the explosion location to be injured. Two men were seen standing on a dangerous muddy grass compound covered in trash when the bomb exploded. Mr. Iroga drew attention to the threat that these incidents have created in endangering residents. He underscored the region’s difficult past with UXO, or unexploded ordnance.
“It’s quite dangerous for people living here.” – Robert Iroga
Historical Context of Unexploded Ordnance
The Solomon Islands are packed with historical World War II artifacts. Both Allied and Japanese forces abandoned 30,000 tons of munitions after they abandoned the battlefield at Guadalcanal in 1943. According to experts, thousands more unexploded items are still buried or otherwise undiscovered across the islands and other Pacific nations.
A second bomb detonated in 2021, leading to widespread panic and devastation. This incident brought to light the continuing danger that legacy ordnance remains a threat to all. Mr. Iroga noted that beyond this one recent explosion, the overall situation remains troubling. As a result, it dangerously ignores serious concerns about public safety, especially related to unexploded ordnance.
“The fire had been burning for the last few days, all the way to the root of the tree and the ground with the bomb.” – Robert Iroga
Efforts to Clear Unexploded Munitions
Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have all begun addressing the hazards posed by unexploded ordnance. They have partnered with Norwegian People’s Aid to carry out clearance operations in the Solomon Islands and other affected areas in the Pacific. Experts have warned against activities that could potentially ignite these dangerous relics, urging caution among locals who may inadvertently trigger explosions.
It is up to residents to remain vigilant and to act preemptively. This is important as they walk through their lives in countries with a heavy history of unexploded ordinance. Mr. Iroga’s recent personal testimony is a poignant reminder of the risks that continue to threaten lives from a war that ended decades ago.
