Ordnance Disposal Service warns of phosphorus grenades and other munitions being exposed now that the rivers are so low

The Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD) warns of phosphorus grenades and other munitions being exposed now that the rivers are so low. The problem is not only that the grenades can easily ignite, but also that an explosive charge can still detonate afterwards. "Our advice is if you come across such a piece of ammunition: do not touch it, call the police and get away, says a Defense spokesperson.

"The police will then conduct an investigation and, if necessary, involve the EOD. Drought In Doornenburg near Nijmegen last night, a number of fishermen drove over two grenades with a cart carrying their boat. That happened on a dried-up beach near the Waal, Omroep Gelderland reports. Nothing happened to one of those grenades.

That turned out to be an 'ordinary' mortar shell. But the other grenade turned out to contain phosphorus. It first started to smoke and ignited when oxygen was added through contact with the cart.

The fishermen called 112. The alerted fire brigade quickly called in the EOD, which defused the grenade. "In this case, the explosive charge of the grenade did not detonate. But that could have happened, with all the consequences that entails, says an EOD officer.

World War II International law now prohibits it, but in World War II phosphorus was added to many ammunition. It can cause nasty burns and creates a smoke screen. After the war, much of that ammunition was dumped in the major rivers, the EOD says. Now, more than eighty years later, the stuff is being exposed again."