5 Killed in Effort to Destroy Cache of WWII Shells
Five bomb-squad experts trying to dig up and destroy a cache of World War II artillery shells were killed today when plastic explosives they were using detonated accidentally.
The men were part of a special security force unit dispatched to help dispose of more than 2,660 German shells found this month along a roadway outside Epervans in east-central France.
Investigators said the plastic explosives were to be used to destroy the latest batch of shells dug up from the site. It was not immediately known what caused the blast.
A civilian driving a bulldozer suffered slight burns and was hospitalized. He was reported in good condition.
According to records, 608 members of the explosives unit have been killed since it was created in 1945 to dispose of mines, bombs and shells left over from the war.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
