Published on 22 August 2024, 20:02
/ ©Pixabay.com
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The World War II grenade, weighing about 50 kg, was safely detonated after being found in Obertraun at an altitude of nearly 2000 meters by the Federal Army’s demining service.
A war relic from World War II was discovered unexpectedly during a search operation in Obertraun. The grenade weighed around 50 kg and was subsequently detonated in a controlled manner.
1 minute reading time(152 words)
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, a Second World War grenade was found in Obertraun, located in the district of Gmunden. The discovery occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,960 meters on the Niederer Speikberg during a search for a missing person. A member of the mountain rescue service stumbled upon this dangerous relic during the operation.
Special forces in action
Following the discovery, the demining service of the Federal Army was notified. Experts, along with a police officer specializing in explosives and three members of the Alpine police, were flown to the site by police helicopter. The grenade, which weighed around 50 kg, presented a significant danger.
Controlled explosion successful
The specialists from the demining service carefully prepared the grenade for detonation. The war relic was then detonated in a controlled manner at a safe distance. The operation was executed smoothly and without incidents, successfully eliminating a potential threat to hikers and climbers in the area.
Published on 22 August 2024, 20:02
/ ©Pixabay.com
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Safely defused: The World War II grenade was found in Obertraun at an altitude of almost 2000 meters and was detonated in a controlled manner by the demining service of the Federal Army.
A war relic from the Second World War was discovered by chance during a search operation in Obertraun. The grenade weighed around 50 kg and was subsequently detonated in a controlled manner.
1 minute reading time(152 words)
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, a grenade from the Second World War was found in Obertraun, in the district of Gmunden. The discovery was made at an altitude of about 1,960 meters on the Niederer Speikberg during a search for a missing person. A member of the mountain rescue service came across the dangerous relic during this search.
Special forces in action
After the discovery, the demining service of the Federal Army was alerted. Together with a police officer with explosives expertise and three members of the Alpine police, the experts were brought to the site by police helicopter. The grenade weighed around 50 kg and posed a significant danger.
Controlled explosion successful
The demining service specialists carefully prepared the grenade for detonation. The war relic was then detonated in a controlled manner at a safe distance. The operation went smoothly and without incident, successfully averting a potential danger for hikers and climbers in the region.
Historical Context of Military Relics
Military relics from World War II are frequently discovered in various locations across Europe, particularly in regions that saw intense conflict. These relics can vary widely—from ammunition shells to grenades and even infrastructure remnants. Understanding these relics is important both for historical preservation and public safety.
Benefits of Controlled Demolition
Controlled demolitions of unexploded ordnance offer several key benefits:
- Safety: Ensures that hazardous materials are handled in a way that minimizes risk to the public.
- Preservation: Appropriate detonations allow historical sites to be preserved while removing dangerous elements.
- Education: These events can serve as learning opportunities about the importance of historical awareness and safety protocols.
Case Study: Grenade Discovery in Obertraun
This specific incident highlights the seamless cooperation between emergency services. The quick response by the federal army and police was crucial not just in handling the ordnance but also in maintaining public safety throughout the operation.
Practical Tips for Hikers
When hiking in regions with historical significance, it’s important to take certain precautions:
- Stay on marked trails: This minimizes your chances of stumbling upon unexploded ordnance.
- Report suspicious finds: If you encounter items that look like munitions, do not approach and notify local authorities immediately.
- Educate yourself: Understanding the history of the area can provide insight into what artifacts might be present.
How to Identify Unexploded Ordnance
| Identify Signs | Description |
|---|---|
| Corrosion | Many ordnance items will appear rusty or corroded due to age. |
| Unusual Shapes | If the object has a shape unfamiliar to you (like cylindrical or spherical), it’s best to stay clear. |
| Presence of Markings | Some items may still have recognizable military markings or labels. |
