Work undertaken prior to the urban development of a business park in Sagunto, a town in the Valencian Community, yielded an unexpected and historically charged find this Friday: a piece of art, but with a past that clearly points to the Civil War era. The moment the construction team paused their routine tasks, curiosity gave way to a broader significance as workers uncovered a relic that spoke of a conflict that shaped the region decades ago. What began as a routine preparation for future economic development quickly turned into a discovery that reminded everyone present of the long shadow cast by the war years and how remnants of that period can surface in the most ordinary settings.
The discovery occurred in the late morning, during the operation to remove existing trees and level the land within the polygon where the new Giga factory for an automotive manufacturer is planned. The project, aimed at modernizing the infrastructure to accommodate a large-scale industrial facility, suddenly paused as the earth yielded an unexpected artifact. The workers, trained to handle heavy machinery and earthmoving tasks, followed the protocols for what to do when something suspicious or potentially dangerous is found underground. The sequence of events that followed demonstrated how safety, procedure, and respect for history intersect in a modern development project that touches both industry and heritage.
As soon as the find was confirmed, the civil security forces were alerted, and the specialized team, known as Tedax, arrived at the scene. Tedax units are tasked with assessing explosives risks and ensuring public safety in situations where ordnance or suspicious devices might be involved. Their initial assessment established that the object in question was a howitzer, an artillery piece from a past conflict, with a loaded explosive charge still present. The presence of such ammunition, even if no longer functional, underscores the careful approach required when a potential war relic is unearthed. The authorities treated the discovery with the gravity it deserved, recognizing both the historical importance and the immediate safety concerns that any such find could pose.
Following a meticulous and orderly process, a security perimeter was established to keep the area clear of bystanders and to ensure that rescue and demining operations could proceed without interruption. In a measured response, the team created a cordon that allowed space for the handling of the artifact while minimizing risk to nearby residents and workers. After safeguarding the surrounding area, a controlled procedure was implemented to address the device without triggering any unintended detonation. A hole approximately two meters deep was prepared, the howitzer was carefully lowered into it, and a calibrated controlled explosion was carried out to neutralize any potential danger. The entire operation was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols, emphasizing the coordination between construction crews, security forces, and the technician teams tasked with ordnance disposal. The careful execution of this sequence reflected a successful partnership between developers and public safety authorities, ensuring that progress on the industrial project could continue with minimal disruption while honoring the historical artifact beneath the ground.
Local news outlets, including Levante-EMV from the Prensa Ibérica group, reported that the operation unfolded smoothly and without incident. The account underscores how routine stages of modernization can intersect with moments of historical significance, offering a tangible reminder of the region’s complex past. The event also highlighted the importance of having trained personnel nearby to respond to unexpected discoveries with professionalism and composure. In Sagunto, a town with a layered history, such discoveries are not merely curiosities; they are a call to balance growth with respect for the past and a commitment to public safety that protects both present-day communities and the memory of those who lived through the era the artifact represents. The outcome serves as a testament to the careful planning that accompanies large-scale construction projects, ensuring that opportunity and heritage can coexist in a responsible and orderly manner.