Train services in Birmingham have been disrupted due to the unearthing of a wartime bomb. The discovery of an old mortar device at a trading estate near a rail line prompted rail authorities to postpone several services originating from Birmingham New Street.
An evacuation was conducted, with a 100-meter exclusion zone established and a bomb disposal unit dispatched to the location. The closure of lines between New Street and Duddeston ensued as a precautionary measure.
Although services have resumed network-wide, delays are anticipated for some time. The disturbance caused by the detection of a wartime bomb at Duddeston Mill Trading Estate in Washwood Heath earlier today has now been resolved.
While all lines have reopened, delays are expected to persist until at least 3 pm. Inrix reports that issues have diminished on CrossCountry services. National Rail cautioned that cancellations and delays remain possible following the morning’s bomb discovery.
Network Rail anticipates continued disruptions into the afternoon. A bomb disposal squad is present at the scene, and a 100-meter exclusion zone has been enforced. A Network Rail spokesperson stated, “We are aiding West Midlands Police with an incident in Duddeston, which is currently impacting some train services. We will provide updates as information becomes available.”
West Midlands Police confirmed responding to Duddeston Mill Trading Estate following the finding of an old mortar device. The incident is contained within the site, with evacuations undertaken. An EOD bomb disposal team is on-site, and a 100-meter exclusion zone, affecting rail services at Duddeston, is in effect until the situation is resolved.
The discovery of the old mortar at Duddeston Mill Trading Estate in Washwood Heath has led to an evacuation and the implementation of a 100-meter cordon in the area.
