Stock Photo Courtesy: Canadian Armed Forces
PETERBOROUGH-The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from Canadian Forces Base Trenton was called in to destroy a World War II era mortar round yesterday in Buckhorn.
Peterborough CountyOPP received a call from the Waste Transfer Station on Dump Road in Buckhorn shortly after 6:00pm on Wednesday. A citizen brought the mortar round into the hazardous waste disposal area.
Municipal employees and Trent Lakes Fire Department were able to isolate the munition in a safe area while waiting for Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from Trenton.
Residents in the area heard the very loud bang of a controlled detonation of the explosive. Police say it was done in a safe manner there was no risk to the public.
Unexploded or live military explosives (bombs, shells, grenades, land mines, mortar shells) still pose a risk of detonation and can be highly unstable according to police. If you find military ordnance:
- Do not touch, move or transport the item
- Record any numbers that might appear on the device (this will assist with identification of the item)
- Be prepared to describe its shape and size
- Call your local police agency for proper disposal
The OPP and the Canadian Armed Forces have trained experts who will attend the location of the explosive device and can decide the safest method for its removal and disposal.
