- Wednesday, in the city center of Saint-Nazaire, the demining of a bomb dating from the Second World War will take place.
- A security perimeter over an area of 400 m will be set up and 2,300 people will be evacuated.
A fortnight ago, a 500 kg English bomb from the Second World War was found at the corner of Jean-Mermoz and Joachim-du-Bellay streets, in Saint-Nazaire in Loire-Atlantique, on the occasion of work in a construction site.
On Wednesday, from 2 p.m., a demining operation will take place, which will require the development of a security perimeter within a radius of 400 m and the evacuation of some 2,300 people. "There are regular bombs discovered in Saint-Nazaire, recognizes Jean-Luc Séchet, deputy mayor of public tranquility and in the city center. But usually, they are more in an industrial area or on the port side. It is one of the first times that there has been a population evacuation of this scale. These are the stages of what will happen on Wednesday in Saint-Nazaire.
The demining operation will start at 2 p.m.
Since the discovery of the explosive device, the site has been "permanently" secure. Municipal and national police take turns during the day and a security company intervenes at night. The hole in which the bomb was found has been filled. The demining operation will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday. "Five Civil Security deminers will intervene," explains Jean-Luc Séchet. They will first cut the primer part, the most dangerous part, then cut the rest into sections, notably the explosive. "The bomb will therefore be neutralized on the spot and then taken" to a place [kept secret] outside Saint-Nazaire to be burned ". The end of demining is scheduled for 6 p.m.
A total evacuation of a perimeter of 400 m
An area within a radius of 400 m around the site will be completely evacuated. This represents 2,300 people and 1,700 homes. "People were warned in advance by a flyer put in the mailboxes and there was a communication on the city site and in the press, explains Jean-Luc Séchet. The city also contacted the most vulnerable people through the CCAS [Communal Center for Social Action]. We offered them personalized support outside the area. "
From 11 a.m., the whole area will be cordoned off and its perimeter must be vacated by 12 p.m. at the latest. The police, who will be between 150 and 200, "will ensure between 12 noon and 2 pm that there is no one left by knocking on the doors". From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the perimeter will be completely inaccessible, pedestrian and motorized traffic prohibited. The circulation of regular bus lines will be diverted all day. "If only one person was spotted in the area, the whole operation stops and resumes when the person is outside the perimeter," says Jean-Luc Séchet. Any offender will be subject to criminal prosecution.
A reception in a gymnasium during the operation
From 10 a.m., all those concerned will be welcome at the Henri-Fogel gymnasium (21 bis, avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin). To get there, free shuttles (marked "Demining Shuttle") will be set up at the start of the "Rising Sun" stop.
“While respecting barrier gestures, people will be able to eat. Mattresses will be installed for the elderly. A psychologist will also be on site if necessary. »Pets are accepted, an enclosed green space will be devoted to them. Note that the operations command post will also be located in the gymnasium, but on the first floor. The Super U located within the perimeter will be open Wednesday until 10 a.m. and will reopen in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
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- Saint Nazaire
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