With the arrival of spring, more and more people are spending time outdoors: walking, tidying their plots of land or starting agricultural work. Unfortunately, remnants of World War II that pose a danger can still be found in our region. Every year, unexploded ordnance and duds are discovered which, despite the passage of time, continue to pose a serious threat to life and health.
One such incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Niwnice. Police received a report from a walker who had noticed an object resembling a shell. A patrol and an officer from the Non-Established Mining and Pyrotechnic Reconnaissance Group were immediately dispatched to the scene.
It turned out that the find was an anti-tank artillery shell. The 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment in Bolesławiec was informed of the situation. Our bomb-disposal specialists dealt with the dangerous object.
Until the specialists arrived, the area was secured by police officers from the Lwówek unit. The officers ensured that no one approached the site of the discovery, minimising the risk of a potential explosion.
Police once again appeal for prudence and caution. If objects resembling unexploded ordnance are found, they must not be touched, moved or attempts made to defuse them. The services must be notified immediately by calling the emergency number 112, and, if possible, the area should be secured against access by bystanders.
Such situations show that, despite the passage of decades, historical artefacts can still be dangerous—even in places where we least expect them.
