The Coast Guard on Wednesday unearthed and destroyed a World War 2 Era explosive. The Bomb Squad division of the Coast Guard was called out to a house in Hafnafjörður when an unusual object was unearthed in the course of yard work on a building plot in the middle of town, Vísir reports.
According to a statement from the Coast Guard, the object was a 20mm explosive bullet from the Second World War. Although rusty, it was still active. The experts placed the explosive in a secure container so that it could be transported for destruction. In addition, the soil around the house was inspected and screened with a metal detector to make sure there were no more bombs in the area.
The bullet was then driven to Stapafell on the Reykjanes Peninsula and destroyed in a munitions field.
The Coast Guard’s Bomb Squad has been called to dispose of an exceptionally high number of World War 2 era explosives. Over a week ago, passers-by taking a stroll found a cannon ball in the Patterson area in Reykjanesbær. Although the ordnance was in good condition for its age, it was taken by the Coast Guard to be destroyed.
As Icelanders travel around the country this summer, it is expected that more explosives and other ordnance from the Second World War will be unearthed in a similar fashion. The Coast Guard encourages people to be alert and not hesitate to contact the police if suspicious items are found.
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