News Summary
A construction crew unearthed a significant World War II-era explosive device at the Port of Long Beach. Authorities quickly evacuated the area and ensured the safety of workers and operations while military experts assessed the situation. The device, deemed safe for transport after examination, was deactivated, allowing normal port activities to resume. This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in historically significant locations and the ongoing monitoring of such sites to prevent future occurrences.
Long Beach – A construction crew unearthed a World War II-era explosive device Wednesday afternoon at the Port of Long Beach, prompting immediate response from law enforcement and military authorities.
The explosive was located at Pier G, one of the six container terminals within the port. Experts determined that the shell is approximately eighty years old, making it a significant historical artifact from a time of global conflict.
In response to the discovery, the Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard swiftly evacuated the affected terminal and established a safety perimeter to ensure the safety of workers and nearby shipping activities. To further manage the situation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in to assess the potential danger posed by the device.
During the evacuation, cargo operations at that terminal were temporarily halted to minimize risks. Fortunately, operations at the remaining five container terminals at the port continued without disruption.
The involvement of military experts was also necessary, and a U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was summoned to assist with the investigation and remediation of the explosive device. After conducting a thorough examination, the team deemed the device safe for transport, allowing for its secure relocation away from the busy shipping terminal.
Once the explosive was moved off-site, it was subsequently deactivated, ensuring that it posed no threat to the public or port operations. By Wednesday night, normal activities resumed at the port, highlighting the efficiency of the emergency response procedures and collaboration among various agencies.
The Port of Long Beach holds significant historical relevance, having served as a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997. The site’s history contributes to the likelihood of discovering remnants from past military engagements, including ordnance from World War II, as construction and excavation activities continue in the area.
This incident underscores the importance of safety protocols when handling potential explosives, especially in historically significant locations. Authorities continue to monitor and assess sites around the port to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: World War II explosive device
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: World War II explosive devices
- Long Beach Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosive Devices
- AOL News
- Google News: Long Beach Port explosive device
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