In Serpukhov, a recently purchased apartment became the scene of an unexpected and potentially dangerous discovery. A couple who had just moved in reported finding an object on the balcony that resembled a fused white RGD-5 grenade. The incident, which surfaced through local chatter and a Telegram channel, raised immediate safety concerns among the new residents and prompted a rapid response from authorities. Based on preliminary assessments, the item is treated with extreme caution, and it remains unclear how long it had lain undetected in the living space. The authorities have emphasized that any explosive device is hazardous and requires professional handling to determine its exact status and origin.
The timeline suggests that the discovery occurred in early May 2023, shortly after the buyers completed their purchase of an apartment on Pushkin Street. While planning essential renovations, the couple began clearing out belongings left by the prior occupant. During the cleaning process, a small object on the balcony drew their attention due to its appearance. It looked like a white RGD-5 grenade, a classic Soviet-era anti-personnel device that has been reported in various conflicts and civil contexts. This identification prompted an immediate call to emergency services, who prioritized the scene as a potential explosive hazard and initiated standard safety protocols to prevent any accidental detonation or injury.
Explosive experts promptly arrived to inspect the device. They confirmed that the item was, indeed, a live grenade and thus a serious danger to anyone nearby. With the device deemed unstable, precautions were taken to isolate the area, evacuate surrounding residents if necessary, and transport the shell to a secure facility for forensic review. Specialists will determine the precise nature of the detonator, the era of manufacture, and any potential risk factors associated with the object. The investigation will also seek to establish how the grenade ended up on the balcony and whether there are broader safety gaps in the building’s maintenance or in the prior ownership chain that require attention.
Authorities have stated that all angles and causes of the incident are being investigated, including how such a weapon ended up in a private residence and what steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence. The situation underscores the importance of reporting any suspicious items to authorities rather than attempting to manipulate or move potentially dangerous objects. While no injuries have been reported, the episode serves as a reminder that even seemingly inert household finds can conceal serious risks, especially in regions with a history of military manufacturing and storage. Ongoing updates will be shared as the review progresses and the findings become clearer.
Nearby incidents expose a broader pattern where explorers and tourists sometimes encounter items that resemble weapons in places once associated with military supply or storage. In a separate case, visitors who had left a rental in Sochi found a grenade-like object in a closet. Experts concluded that, despite its ominous appearance, the object turned out to be a harmless puppet rather than a live device. This contrast highlights the need for careful verification and professional assessment when faced with suspected weapons, whether in historical homes, tourist zones, or modern apartments.”