Residential Cleanout Uncovers UXO in Rhode Island Home

Smithfield, Rhode Island A residential street was temporarily closed, after UXO was discovered inside a home during a routine cleanout.

Local fire officials initially responded to a residence on Church Street following reports that a civilian had found a military shell. Upon arriving and evaluating the scene, responders located a total of two unexploded munitions situated on the second floor of the property.

Emergency crews immediately established a safety perimeter and restricted access to the neighborhood. The Rhode Island Bomb Squad was deployed to the scene and successfully removed the legacy ordnance from the home, allowing the area to be cleared and the street to be safely reopened to the public. It's unclear how the ordnance ended up in the house. The incident is under investigation.