WWII Bomb Explodes at Plopsaland: 3 Injured | Belgium

A World War II explosive detonated near the Plopsaland Ardennes theme park in Coo, Belgium, on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, leaving three people with minor injuries. The blast, later identified by authorities as a phosphorus bomb from the Second World War, occurred along the banks of the Amblève river close to the park's Cascade de Coo waterfall.

What happened at Plopsaland Ardennes?

At approximately 3:10 p.m. local time, an old explosive device went off near the riverbank at the foot of the waterfall. The municipality of Stavelot confirmed the explosion was probably caused by an explosive device dating from the Second World War. According to Plopsaland, two visitors and one staff member were slightly injured. Mayor Fabien Legros said one person was struck in the leg by a small projectile fragment, while two others suffered eardrum pain. None required hospitalisation. We were very lucky, Legros said, noting the injuries remained very light.

How a WWII phosphorus bomb ended up in the Ardennes

The Belgian Ardennes was the site of intense fighting during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944–1945. That campaign left behind thousands of tons of unexploded ordnance across eastern Belgium. The Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes and subsequent post-war clean-up operations could not recover every shell, mortar, or bomb. Belgium's explosive ordnance disposal service, DOVO (also called SEDEE), still receives roughly ten calls per day and defuses more than two hundred tons of ammunition each year, according to Belgian Defence.

Safety response and park operations

After the blast, a security perimeter was immediately established around the riverbank and the Cascade de Coo bridge was closed as a precaution. The park's terrace was evacuated, but Plopsaland Ardennes remained open and its attractions continued operating normally. The Belgian army bomb disposal service (DOVO/SEDEE) arrived on site to remove the remnants of the explosive and inspect the riverbank for additional buried devices. By 6:30 p.m., the security perimeter was lifted.

Why old explosives still pose a risk

Officials said the phosphorus bomb likely detonated due to heat-related expansion or disturbance of the aged device. Phosphorus munitions are particularly hazardous because white phosphorus ignites spontaneously when exposed to air and can cause deep burns. The incident underscores the broader challenge of unexploded World War II ordnance still scattered across Europe, from Belgian riverbanks to German cities, where evacuations for bomb disposal remain routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Plopsaland Ardennes on 12 August 2026?
A World War II phosphorus bomb exploded near the Amblève riverbank by the theme park, lightly injuring three people.

Were the Plopsaland Ardennes injuries serious?
No. Two people had eardrum pain and one had a small projectile fragment in the leg; none required hospitalisation.

Did Plopsaland Ardennes close after the explosion?
No. The park stayed open, but the riverbank area and Cascade de Coo bridge were temporarily closed as a precaution.

What is a phosphorus bomb?
A phosphorus bomb is an incendiary weapon containing white phosphorus, which burns on contact with air and can cause severe burns. The WWII-era device found near Coo had remained buried for decades.

How common is unexploded WWII ordnance in Belgium?
Very common. Belgium's DOVO service handles about ten calls per day and neutralises over 200 tonnes of ammunition annually, mostly from the two World Wars.