Drone footage captures Exeter bomb explosion

WATCH: Bomb crater is size of bus

A suspected World War Two bomb, unearthed near Exeter University, was blown up in a controlled explosion yesterday evening (Saturday 27th February).

It could have been so much different had the contractors working on a building site had hit the shell they uncovered near the University of Exeter campus on Friday.

Going by the size of the explosion on Saturday night's controlled detonation, this was one big bomb Hitler had sent over.

More than 250 people lost their lives in the Exeter Blitz of 1942. If Saturday's drama was anything to go by, one can imagine the fear people must have felt night after night with Nazi bombs raining down.

The army logistics corp, which took over from the Royal Navy bomb squad on Saturday morning, blew up the device at 6.10 p.m. on Saturday, 33 hours after the alarm was raised.

Around 2,600 properties, including about 1,400 students, had been evacuated from their homes in the Glenthorne Road area, between Cowley Bridge Road and the university's Streatham campus. 

Devon County Council officials have been working with Exeter City Council and other partners to help people find alternative accommodation and support those at-risk or vulnerable. The majority of residents are staying with family or friends.

Anyone who needs support can call the council on 0345 155 1015.