Worker Burned After Contacting MPPEH

Orange County, Florida A contractor preparing an area for concrete was severely burned by a piece of an old practice bomb that reportedly still contained white phosphorus. The item is technically considered Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard or MPPEH. The MPPEH in question was a bomb igniter from a WWII era 4lbs practice incendiary bomb like the one shown in the image below.

The incident occurred on the grounds of Odyssey Middle School where the USACE is actively trying to clear of WWII era practice bombs. Reportedly, the man did not obey warnings put out by the USACE that instructed anyone spotting any strange metallic objects or devices to evacuate from the area and call the police. Apparently the man came in contact with the item and reportedly "scrapped it", which caused it to burn and catch fire. The man was also burned while trying to extinguish the fire. Fire fighters had to dose the man in water and cut his clothes off to stop the white phosphorus from burning him further.

The man was hospitalized and treated for burns, breathing problems, and white phosphorus exposure. He since has been released. The USACE posted a security guard on the property to make sure no one else goes near the site.