A World War II era bomb, found during a building project at Middlesex County College, was successfully detonated Thursday night by a military disposal team at Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst.



Front entrance to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst ( Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)

The 500 lb. bomb was discovered Thursday during excavation for a new building at the college, which is on the site of the former Raritan Arsenal.

The discovery prompted college officials to order the evacuation of construction workers. However, classrooms and other campus facilities further from the scene were not included in the order.

The planned detonation, carried out by the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, took place at about 11 p.m. according to a statement on the Joint Base Facebook page.

Beforehand, military officials warned nearby residents they would likely hear a "considerable noise" and possibly feel the ground shake. Overcast weather conditions in the area were expected to make both conditions more pronounced, they said.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Adam Usher, leader of the disposal team, said his group receives up to three emergency calls a week. None had ever involved such as large bomb.

Associated Press contributed to this report.