Only in Lower Austria and Styria did the demining service (EMD) have to move out more often. The probability of finding war relics from both world wars in Austria is still high, says Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (VP). In total, more than 31 tons of war material was removed and destroyed by EMD experts last year. 1.9 tons of it were discovered in Upper Austria. The specialists rendered infantry ammunition, hand grenades, rocket-propelled grenades and aerial bombs harmless.
Air bombs, for example, are often recovered from the ground and rendered harmless in Upper Austria at construction sites in the center of the state, according to the army. The areas of application of the EMD are diverse: war material was discovered in lakes, rivers, forest areas, in alpine terrain but also in cities. The ammunition dates from both WWI and WWII.
Not harmless, even for experts
The work is not without risk, says press officer Markus Oppitz from Hörsching. It could happen that critical situations arise in the demining service and above all in the explosive ordnance disposal services stationed in the Balkans, for example. “Fortunately, no one has been injured lately.” When the demining service experts are called to an operation, they do not know the condition of the equipment – for example, whether it is a dud that is still active. “That’s assessed by experts on site.” The officer warns that if an inexperienced person finds war material, he should definitely contact the police and not go for a walk there. The police then informed the experts.
War relics are taken in a safe condition to a federal army blast site and destroyed there by EMD experts. If transport is not possible, in exceptional cases blasting can also be carried out on site. 14.4 tons of the salvaged war material was blown up last year, 8.3 tons of infantry ammunition was burned out in a special furnace and 9.4 tons of war scrap were taken directly to final disposal.
Air bomb found on the voestalpine site
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