Μake us preferred on Google Authorities evacuated part of central Chania on Wednesday as an army explosives unit removed a World War II shell discovered during construction work. According to local news website zarpanews.gr, the munition was found on Tuesday afternoon on a plot of land at the intersection of Giamboudaki and Kritovoulidou streets, prompting authorities to call in a specialist army team from Athens.
Police on Wednesday established a 300-meter safety perimeter around the site, while the fire service, ambulance crews and local civil protection authorities were also deployed. Three nearby schools, Chania’s 4th and 8th primary schools and the 33rd kindergarten, were evacuated as a precaution. Pupils and teachers were taken safely to Markopoulou Park. Traffic was also halted on several roads in the Ai Giannis and Dikastiria areas, including I. Sfakianaki and Giamboudaki streets and adjoining roads.
Discovery and disposal of a World War II shell by an army explosives unit in Chania, Crete, Sept. 16, 2026. (GIANNIS ANGELAKIS/EUROKINISSI)
Discovery and disposal of a World War II shell by an army explosives unit in Chania, Crete, Sept. 16, 2026. (GIANNIS ANGELAKIS/EUROKINISSI)
Chania Police Director Brig. Gen. Kanellos Nikolaou said the shell had been uncovered at a site where construction work was underway.
“Yesterday afternoon, a World War II shell was found on a plot where construction work was taking place,” Nikolaou said. “The army was immediately notified, along with the specialist TENX unit,” referring to the military team responsible for the disposal of land mines and other explosive ordnance. The unit traveled to Chania from Athens to carry out the operation.
Nikolaou said protocol required the evacuation of the surrounding area within a radius of 300 meters before the army team could begin work. “There is a police presence throughout the area, and we are working with the municipality and Civil Protection to notify everyone,” he said. “Once everything is ready, the army team will proceed.”
According to zarpanews.gr, the site where the shell was discovered was to remain sealed off while the necessary safety procedures were completed. The shell has been removed from the construction site and transported to a safer location for disposal.
