Munition Found Near School

Mantua Township, New Jersey An EOD team from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst performed a controlled detonation of a UXO item found on the grounds of Gloucester County Christian School. The munition was determined to be a 40mm round from an M-203 grenade launcher.

Contractors clearing ground in a wooded area for a nature trail found the ordnance in the late afternoon when the school day had ended. Children remaining on school grounds for after school activities were immediately evacuated as crews responded to the scene. According to officials no one was in immediate danger, but the item was located only a few hundred yards from the main school building.

School remained closed the following day while crews inspected the area to ensure there was no other ordnance on the grounds. The school is located on the site of a former Nike missile base. It is unknown at this time whether or not the munition was related to the historic use of the area or was discarded on the site,