In an exclusive recollection marking the 30th anniversary of the horrific IRA bombing at Docklands, Mirror journalist Ros Wynne-Jones vividly describes the moment the 3,000lb bomb exploded near Canary Wharf. The blast was so powerful that it reverberated through the area, causing buildings to shake and leaving both immediate aftermath and long-lasting psychological impact on those present. Wynne-Jones recounts the chaos that ensued as people stumbled, phone lines went dead, and immense panic took hold.

The bombing occurred on February 9, 1996, and its impact was felt not only physically but also on the broader community, as it symbolized the ongoing violence associated with the conflict in Northern Ireland, spilling over into England. With over a hundred injuries reported and the tragic loss of two lives, the bombing served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced during this tumultuous period in British history. Many witnesses were left marked by the trauma of that day, affecting their perceptions of safety in once-thriving urban settings like Docklands.

Thirty years later, the memory of the bombing still resonates as a pivotal moment in London’s history, highlighting the fragility of peace during times of political unrest. Wynne-Jones' reflection underscores the need for remembrance and understanding of past tragedies, which continue to shape the present in terms of both urban development and community resilience.