VIMY, FRANCE - Thousands of people living near a stockpile of First World War weapons in France were ordered to leave their homes after authorities said the decaying bombs could explode.

Up to 15,000 people living near Vimy will have to relocate for at least a week while authorities check shells thought to contain deadly mustard gas.

 

First World War memorial at Vimy Ridge

The depot contains around 160 tonnes of unexploded bombs, shells and mines as well as old chemical weapons that have been found throughout the region.

A recent survey of the compound showed the munitions were in a dangerous state of disrepair with some of the crates of shells splitting apart.

The government said certain chemical weapons would be moved to another depot by special convoy next weekend after they had been refrigerated and rendered inert.

Two people were killed in Vimy in 1998 after one of the shells exploded.

• FROM MAY 24, 2001: Long lost soldier put to rest at Vimy Ridge
  
• FROM MAY 25, 2001: Unknown Soldier now at Peace Tower
  

Nearly 4,000 Canadians died during a major assault on German troops at Vimy Ridge in 1917. Canadian and British troops recaptured the land in spite of the heavy losses, marking a turning point in the war.

Flags flew at half-mast in Ottawa earlier this week in commemoration of those who died.