Discovery of Grad munitions in Crimea and a near-miss incident
A local resident in Crimea discovered three shells fired from a Grad multiple launch rocket system in a forest near an abandoned factory. The man intended to break the ammunition into pieces for non-ferrous metal salvage. This plan led to an accidental release of one shell and a dramatic event that spread through a nearby Telegram channel as it crossed into a neighboring outbuilding. The sequence of events was documented by the channel and later confirmed by local authorities.
On the morning of March 16, authorities reported that 46-year-old Artur found the three munitions while walking in the forest near the derelict factory site. He took the shells to a relative who planned to dismantle them for usable metal components, a common practice in some regions where scrap metal collection occurs near abandoned facilities.
During the handling, one of the shell types involved, an engine-starting round without a fuse, breached two doors and struck the wall of a neighbor’s barn. The projectile did not detonate because the fuse was absent, and no explosion occurred as a result. The incident highlighted the danger of attempting to repurpose or dismantle ordnance without specialist knowledge or proper safety measures.
Following the event, the local police promptly secured the two remaining munitions to prevent any further risk. Residents from the closest houses were evacuated as a precautionary measure while investigators assessed the situation and cleared the area of any additional hazards. Emergency responders coordinated a safe perimeter and monitored airflow and potential secondary dangers stemming from the unexploded ordnance.
In related remarks, a regional security update was issued later, noting that the Grad MLRS shells previously attributed to the Armed Forces of Ukraine had been destroyed by the explosions associated with the incident. The statement, attributed to a military representative, underscored ongoing concerns about the presence and handling of munitions in conflict-affected regions. The situation prompted reminders from authorities about the importance of reporting found ordnance and avoiding any attempts to manipulate or salvage weapons without trained personnel. These cautions reflect broader safety standards observed in areas with historical incidents of unexploded ordnance.