A concrete caisson has exploded on a beach in the south-eastern province of Zeeland. The blast on Ritthem beach was heard in large parts of the province.
Police have sealed off the area which is covered with debris. A police spokesperson says pieces of concrete are spread up to a distance of 100 metres from the crater. The crater is three metres in diameter. The caisson, which is a huge hollow concrete structure used in underwater construction, has been completely destroyed.
Police believe a World War II mine may have come into contact with the caisson. Iin 1944, many bombs were dropped and mines laid in the area. However, eyewitnesses say they saw two cars speeding away shortly before the explosion.
Police received dozens of calls from concerned local residents after they heard the blast. A farmer reported that all his the windows had been broken by debris from the explosion.
(nc)
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How interesting! My first thought was that satellite destined to make an unpredicted landing.