Over 200 Munitions Uncovered at Construction Site

Krakow, Poland More than 200 WWII UXO were discovered by construction crews at an excavation site in Krakow. As soon as the workers realized that the items resembled artillery shells, work was paused and emergency services were notified.

Chemical rescue teams and firefighters responded to test the devices for possible toxic or combustible materials. Deeming the munitions non-hazardous, sappers were able to secure and remove the ordnance.

The area was cordoned off prior to the operation during which the munitions were loaded into military vehicles and escorted to a training ground, where they will be disposed. Following the safe removal, the project site was allowed to reopen.

The area was likely a wartime ammunition storage site due to the unusual number of munitions found. Officials said that the incident serves as a reminder of the lingering hazards posed by unexploded WWII munitions across the country even decades after the end of the war.