Man Discovers Artillery Shell While Mushroom Hunting in Ankara, Averting Disaster
Ankara, April 27 – A man foraging for mushrooms in the Ayaş district of Ankara narrowly avoided a potential disaster after discovering an unexploded artillery shell. The rusted ordnance was safely defused by expert teams, local authorities reported on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, when Serdar Kandırmaz was out mushroom hunting in a rural area of Ayaş. He stumbled upon a heavily rusted object and, initially believing it to be a discarded part from an electrical transformer, picked it up and carried it for approximately 20 meters.
According to Kandırmaz, he began to suspect the object’s true nature due to its unusual weight and shape. “I first thought it was a piece of iron, so I picked it up and carried it. Then it ‘dawned on me’ that it was an artillery shell. I immediately put it down in a soft spot and ran away, then called the authorities,” Kandırmaz stated.
Upon receiving the report, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts were dispatched to the scene. Extensive security measures were promptly implemented around the area to ensure public safety. The unexploded ordnance was then safely detonated in a controlled manner by the EOD team.
The sound of the controlled explosion was reportedly heard for several kilometers, highlighting the potential danger the shell posed. The fact that Kandırmaz had carried the ordnance for a significant distance underscored how close the situation came to a catastrophic event.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the origin of the artillery shell. It is currently unclear how long the ordnance had been in the area or why it remained unexploded. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in unexpected places, particularly in areas with historical military activity.
Local officials urged residents to exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar objects, especially in rural or undeveloped areas, and to immediately report any suspicious findings to law enforcement without attempting to handle them.
This incident follows other recent safety-related news in Ankara, including a person who died after falling from an overpass while putting up posters on April 25, and a helicopter crash on April 22 where five personnel sustained injuries but were in good health, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
The quick thinking and responsible actions of Serdar Kandırmaz, coupled with the swift response of the EOD teams, successfully averted what could have been a tragic outcome for the community in Ayaş, Ankara.
Source: https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/mantar-ararken-top-mermisi-buldu-facianin-esiginden-donuldu-4818657
