Live Mustard Gas Shell Found Near Dunkirk Sparks Controlled Explosion
A live mustard gas shell from World War II was unearthed on farmland near Dunkirk on Monday, August 19, 2024. The dangerous discovery forced an immediate halt to work and triggered a controlled explosion to neutralise the threat.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
- Workers found the shell while levelling the field, believed to be dropped by German forces during WWII.
- The site was quickly secured, and firefighters from nearby Marck rushed to the scene.
- A safety zone was established to protect both workers and the public.
- French bomb disposal experts from Le Déminage were called in to handle the unstable device.
Controlled Explosion Safely Neutralises Danger
Using farm machinery, a large trench was dug to prepare for the controlled detonation. After careful preparation, specialists carried out the explosion, making the area safe once more.
The operation prompted road closures and traffic diversions lasting around two hours. Gendarmes manned the roadblocks, urging motorists to seek alternative routes while the main road remained closed.
Legacy of War Lurks Beneath the Surface
The discovery is a stark reminder that unexploded ordnance from World War II still poses a deadly risk decades later. Thanks to swift action by French authorities, the area was back to normal by the afternoon, avoiding any casualties.
