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Live WWII Grenades Discovered in Austin
7 Nov
Summary
- Austin resident found five live WWII grenades.
- Bomb squad confirmed grenades were active and dangerous.
- Old military explosives discovery is more common than thought.
A resident of Austin, Texas, recently unearthed five live World War II-era grenades while sorting through boxes acquired from an estate sale. The discovery prompted an immediate response from the Austin Police Department.
APD's Bomb Squad was dispatched and confirmed that the grenades were indeed active and dangerous. Officers secured the scene, establishing a perimeter for public safety. Sergeant Issa Kafena, supervisor of the bomb squad, noted that while the exact manufacturing date was unknown, the grenades appeared to be approximately 80 years old.
Kafena emphasized the inherent danger of all military ordnance, stating it is designed to cause harm. He reassured the public that although this was an unusual call, the discovery of old military explosives is more common than many might believe. The bomb squad handles over 400 deployments annually, many involving such finds across an 8,400-square-mile area.
Following their recovery, the bomb squad safely disposed of the grenades. Authorities urge anyone who finds similar items to avoid touching them and to contact 911 immediately. Recent incidents include a discovery of over 150 artillery shells in a Czech forest and a spent smoke grenade found by TSA in New York.
