The Bomb Squad of the Icelandic Coast Guard was called out when an old mortar was found in the Hengilsvæði ski area.
As you can see from the photo, the mortar was probably not operational, and an expert determined that it was a rifle-launched mortar from the Second World War. Nonetheless, to be on the safe side the Bomb Squad carefully removed the mortar from the area to be destroyed.
The mortar was originally found in the Hengilsvæði area by an individual who took it home. Other members of the family saw the object for what it was and alerted authorities.
The Coast Guard explained that unexploded mortars and grenades from the occupational period are sometimes found in Iceland. In some cases, the bomb might appear thoroughly rusted through, but in reality a grenade’s pin might still be in place although covered with rust. This makes the objects extremely dangerous, and anyone finding them is advised to not move them under any circumstances, but to call the authorities immediately.