Brief
Austin bomb squad removes live WWII grenades from estate‑sale box
Police said six Mk 2 grenades were recovered and rendered safe after a homeowner found them in an estate‑sale purchase.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Texas homeowner discovered live World War II‑era grenades inside a box he bought at an estate sale, prompting an Austin Police Department (APD) bomb‑squad response on Monday, according to nypost.com.
The man was rummaging through the boxes when he noticed one containing handheld explosives. APD officers secured the scene, set up a perimeter and called in their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The bomb squad confirmed the devices were "live and active" and identified at least three loose U.S. Mk 2 fragmentation grenades – the classic "pineapple" design – plus a container marked for an M21 practice grenade.
APD spokesperson told the outlet that six grenades in total were recovered, all dating to the World War II era and in surprisingly good condition. Bomb‑squad personnel performed X‑ray examinations, deemed the grenades live, and carried out render‑safe procedures to eliminate any hazard. No ongoing investigation was opened, and no crime was alleged.
Police emphasized that owning hand grenades is illegal in Texas, classifying them as prohibited weapons. While the buyer faced no charges, officials urged the public to call 911 if they encounter old ordnance, advising, "don’t touch it, don’t move it, and let the experts handle it." The department also praised the bomb squad’s training and professionalism on its Instagram account.
Key facts
- A man found live WWII grenades in a box bought at an estate sale in Austin. (nypost.com)
- Austin police bomb squad recovered six Mk 2 grenades and rendered them safe. (nypost.com)
- Owning hand grenades is illegal in Texas, but the buyer was not charged. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Texas man finds live World War II grenades in box he bought at estate sale, prompting bomb squad response”
