Suspected grenade in a river in Porsgrunn had a sharp ignition mechanism – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio

– Such operations are always dangerous, especially when there is a sharp ignition mechanism involved. This could potentially be life-threatening, says the EOD operator to news. – It could have been killed by the magnet fishermen, or blown up by hand, he points out. These objects were fished out of the river with the magnet. Photo: Tipser The EOD operator is among the Norwegian Armed Forces’ explosive disposal units in place in Porsgrunn on Thursday evening. EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, i.e. getting rid of explosive material. Thought the object was harmless Two young men found a suspicious object when they were fishing in the river with a magnet on Wednesday. They took pictures and video and contacted the police. Two magnet fishermen pulled up a mysterious object from the river in Porsgrunn. Tips After seeing the pictures, the police feared that the metal object could be a grenade from the Second World War. On Wednesday evening they concluded that it was not sharp and dangerous. But after investigations on Thursday, another message came from the bomb squad: – We have found an old fire tube with a sharp ignition mechanism, which is usually used to trigger artillery projectiles, says the EOD operator. Investigations were carried out at the river on Thursday. Photo: Theodor Aasland Valen / news A fire tube is an ignition device often used in grenades and bombs. There are several types. That it is sharp means that it has an explosive charge. To be destroyed The Norwegian Defense Forces say that they are to destroy the object. On Wednesday, the object was carefully placed back on the river bed, but on Thursday the fishermen had brought it up on land. – That has made it a little more difficult for us. That is why we have blocked off the footbridge, says task leader Sondre Dahl. Operations leader Sondre Dahl pictured on Wednesday. Photo: Theodor Aasland Valen / news The area by the river was cordoned off in anticipation of the bomb experts. – People who engage in magnet fishing take a high risk. Several of the components they find can be dangerous. And in some cases they can be triggered by incorrect handling, says the EOD operator. The bomb squad: Leave objects behind He always recommends contacting the police and leaving the object behind if you find something suspicious. – It is important to be aware of the dangers of handling unknown, potentially explosive objects, the operator points out. – Fortunately, everything went well today, and we appreciate that the fisherman did the right thing by contacting the police, he states. The Norwegian Armed Forces state that they handle between 400 and 600 such missions each year. Published 12.09.2024, at 18.29 Updated 12.09.2024, at 18.49



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