Berlin, May 23 – A man out for a stroll in a Berlin forest made an extraordinary discovery when his metal detector located 59 Soviet grenades dating back to World War II. The Berlin police announced the find on Instagram, stating, “There was probably a bit more than just wood in the Pankow forest…” Several newspapers have also reported on the incident.
Extensive Police Operation to Secure Explosives
“Piece by piece, the grenades are being secured, recovered, and professionally transported away,” the police further reported. They described the operation as a quiet, highly concentrated effort deep within the forest.
“For the duration of the measures, the area will be cordoned off. There was no danger to third parties at any time,” the statement continued. The old grenades are slated for controlled detonation at a designated demolition site.
Unusual Find: 1.5 Tons of Unfired Grenades
The police also posted an image of the unusual find on Instagram, noting that what initially appeared small turned out to be anything but. Specialized forces from the State Criminal Police Office confirmed on site that the discovery comprised World War II ammunition: 59 unfired Soviet-made grenades with a total weight of approximately 1.5 tons.
The incident highlights the ongoing presence of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts in and around Berlin. Such discoveries, though rare in this quantity, are not entirely uncommon in areas that saw heavy fighting during World War II.
Public Safety and Expert Handling
Authorities consistently emphasize the importance of public safety in such situations. When suspicious objects resembling old ordnance are found, the immediate advice is always to maintain a safe distance and contact the police or relevant authorities without attempting to touch or move the objects. Professional disposal teams are equipped to handle these dangerous relics safely.
The successful recovery operation in Pankow underscores the continuous efforts of Berlin’s police and explosive ordnance disposal units to ensure the safety of its citizens, even decades after the end of the war. The controlled detonation will eliminate any potential threat posed by these historical munitions.
