Why did the IRA bomb Hammersmith Bridge?

Why did the IRA bomb Hammersmith Bridge?

The bomb was located on the south side of the bridge and contained 30 lb of Semtex high explosives, which according to an explosives expert had the ability to blow up the entire bridge. The IRA gave two telephone warnings, the first at 22:22….1996 Hammersmith Bridge bombing.

What is wrong with Hammersmith Bridge?

The closure and re-opening of Hammersmith Bridge The micro-fractures were first discovered in 2019 using the latest technology. Cast iron is brittle and can shatter. The micro-fractures therefore posed the serious risk that the bridge could suddenly, and with little warning, collapse into the Thames.

When was the IRA bombing London?

On November 13th, 1981, an IRA bomb exploded outside the home of the British Attorney General, Sir Michael Havers. On July 20th, 1982, the IRA struck again, killing eight soldiers with two bombs at Knightsbridge and Regent’s Park in London.

How much damage did the IRA cause?

On 9 February 1996 the IRA detonated a 3,000 pound bomb in London’s Docklands, causing £150 million worth of damage, 40 injuries and 2 fatalities. The explosion marked the end of a seventeen month ceasefire, forcing the British government to re-table talks for peace in Northern Ireland.

Is Hammersmith posh?

Hammersmith is known to be one of the safest residential areas of London. Away from the petty crime that impacts the tourist-centric regions of the capital, it’s a quiet and peaceful area that attracts a stable and affluent community, minimising the risk of more serious criminal activity.

Will Hammersmith Bridge ever reopen?

The taskforce is pleased that LBHF reopened the bridge in a limited and controlled way to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic on 17 July 2021. This will enable permanent reopening to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic and, in time, reopening to motor vehicles.

What bad things did the IRA do?

In 1987, the IRA carried out almost 300 shooting and bombing attacks, killing 31 RUC, UDR and British Army personnel and 20 civilians, while injuring 100 security forces and 150 civilians. In 1990, IRA attacks killed 30 soldiers and RUC members and injured 340. In 1992, the figure for IRA attacks was 426.

Is Hammersmith a rich area?

Unfortunately for those seeking a bargain, Hammersmith & Fulham is the 4th most expensive borough in London, with house prices averaging nearly £900,000 as of 2017 and only more affordable than the boroughs of Camden, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea.

Is Hammersmith a bad area?

Is Hammersmith Safe? Hammersmith is known to be one of the safest residential areas of London. Away from the petty crime that impacts the tourist-centric regions of the capital, it’s a quiet and peaceful area that attracts a stable and affluent community, minimising the risk of more serious criminal activity.

Where was the bombing of Hammersmith Bridge in 1996?

On 24 April 1996, the Provisional IRA planted two powerful bombs underneath Hammersmith Bridge in west London. Although the detonators caused two small explosions, the bomb itself failed to explode.

Where was the bomb in Manchester in 1996?

On April 24, 32lb of semtex – the biggest bomb of its kind ever planted on the mainland – failed to explode on Hammersmith Bridge in west London. On 15 June 1996, a massive bomb exploded in a busy shopping area in Manchester. Two hundred people were injured. Police believe the IRA planted the device.

What did the IRA do to Hammersmith Bridge?

The IRA gave two telephone warnings, the first at 22:22. Police located the device afterwards before it caused small explosions around 22:50. Scotland Yard said it was “meant to kill, cause injury and major structural damage to Hammersmith Bridge”.

Who was the designer of the Hammersmith Bridge?

The current bridge was opened in 1887 after being designed by civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who also masterminded central London’s sewer network. The Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII, oversaw its grand reopening.