The Phu Tho Provincial Military Command said on September 8 that it had successfully disposed of a bomb discovered by local residents in the bed of the Da River.
The device was found on August 31 in Thinh Minh Commune after falling water levels exposed part of the riverbed. It had remained buried beneath layers of mud and sediment.
The bomb was found intact, with its fuse still in place, approximately 300 metres from a residential area. Residents immediately alerted local authorities after discovering the device.
In response, authorities quickly cordoned off the area, erected warning signs and deployed personnel to prevent people and vehicles from entering the danger zone.
Following an inspection, military specialists identified the device as a GP-250LP general-purpose aerial bomb used by the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.
The bomb measured approximately 120cm in length and 27cm in diameter and weighed around 200kg. Officials said it contained a substantial explosive charge capable of causing extensive damage if detonated.
Despite spending decades submerged in the river, the bomb remained equipped with its original fuse, posing a significant safety risk.
After conducting a full assessment of the site and surrounding conditions, authorities developed a disposal plan, safely transported the device and carried out a controlled detonation.
