Unexpected WWII Relic Unearthed at Colorado Construction Project

Unexpected WWII Relic Unearthed at Colorado Construction Project

Unexploded WWII Bomb Discovered at Colorado Construction Site

At a Glance

  • Officials in Arapahoe County, Colorado, investigate a historical find by construction workers.
  • Aurora Police request the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad to examine the metal device found.
  • The device is identified as a World War II Mark 23 Mod 1 training round.
  • The area, the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, was used for military training from 1942 to 1963.
  • Bomb technicians use an X-ray device to confirm the device was a cast-iron miniature bomb.
  • The device is handed over to Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora.

Unexploded WWII Bomb Discovered in Colorado

While working on site at a decommissioned military training area in Colorado, a construction team uncovered an unexploded World War II-era bomb. Authorities promptly halted all work and cordoned off the vicinity to ensure public safety. Skilled technicians from bomb disposal units were dispatched to the scene to inspect, neutralize, and dispose of the perilous relic. This find serves as a poignant reminder of how past military endeavors can still affect contemporary construction efforts.

Officials in Arapahoe County, Colorado, were called to investigate a historical find by construction workers. According to Fox News, the Aurora Police had requested the Arapahoe Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad to examine a metal device found. The bomb squad determined the device was a World War II Mark 23 Mod 1 training round.

The Mark 23 Mod 1 Training Round

The historical find was uncovered at the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, which was used for military training from 1942 to 1963. This area was a significant training ground for the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Air National Guard. Technicians deployed an X-ray device to confirm that the bomb was indeed a cast-iron miniature bomb used commonly for land target practice during WWII.

“The Arapahoe County Bomb Squad was called to investigate a military ordnance found by a construction company in the 4600 block of S. Robertsdale Way. The area used to be the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range,” said the post.

When excavated, the device was inert but could still pose a danger. The Arapahoe Sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of leaving such discoveries to trained professionals. The bomb was eventually handed over to the Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora for safe disposal. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment offered munition safety tips for handling such artifacts and highlighted the ongoing cleanup of munitions at the former range.

Other Historical Finds in the Area

Remnants of past military practices can turn up unexpectedly, posing risks to civilians. The former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range, now a residential and commercial area, also had four Titan I missile complexes operational from 1962 to 1965. Many other parts of Colorado are undergoing similar cleanup initiatives. For instance, the former Camp George West Artillery Range on Lakewood’s Green Mountain is being cleaned up for potentially dangerous munitions.

More historical ordnances are likely to be found as development continues in historically significant areas. This discovery is a notable reminder of the enduring legacy of military training activities and the careful attention required from modern construction crews and public safety officials.

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