Two suspected wartime explosives found near Eindhoven Airport
The EOD is examining two objects beside the runway; air traffic is continuing.
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Two suspected mortar shells were found on Wednesday in the military section of Eindhoven Airport. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service of the Ministry of Defence is examining and clearing the objects; according to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the discovery has no effect on commercial air traffic.
According to Omroep Brabant, the suspected explosives came to light during work beside the runway. Omroep Brabant reports that they are probably two mortar shells dating from the Second World War. Experts still have to establish the objects’ precise nature and condition.
The Marechaussee sent emergency services to the military section of the airport. The EOD will determine how the objects can be safely examined and removed. As long as that investigation continues, it is not known when the clearance operation will be completed.
Commercial flights at Eindhoven Airport can continue, according to the Marechaussee. It does not automatically follow that all military operations at Eindhoven Air Base can also continue.
The Ministry of Defence reported earlier this month that the ammunition platform at the air base is being relocated and that this requires a new safety zone. No link with Wednesday’s discovery has been established.
Unexploded Second World War ordnance is still regularly found in the Netherlands, particularly during groundworks in areas that were used for military or industrial purposes during the war. That historical context explains why explosives surveys are carried out before work begins, but does not indicate what risk these specific objects pose.
The authorities have given no indication that passengers at the airport are at risk. That assessment could change if the investigation produces new information. For now, the airport remains operational and responsibility for clearing the objects lies with the EOD.
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The current discovery and its operational consequences were reported by a local broadcaster using information from the Marechaussee. Provisional descriptions have been presented as provisional.
- confirmed Two suspected explosives were found at Eindhoven Airport on 28 October. — Confirmed by Omroep Brabant. source
- confirmed The EOD is examining and clearing the objects. — Confirmed by Omroep Brabant. source
- confirmed Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport is continuing. — According to the Marechaussee in Omroep Brabant’s report. source
- uncertain The objects probably date from the Second World War. — Omroep Brabant gives this as a suspected dating; definitive identification is not yet known. source
Editor's note
The discovery and the lack of consequences for air traffic were reported by Omroep Brabant, based on information from the Marechaussee. The type of explosives and their age are still provisional findings.Sources
- Twee explosieven gevonden naast landingsbaan Eindhoven Airport — Omroep Brabant
- Verplaatsen munitieplatform Vliegbasis Eindhoven — Ministerie van Defensie
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „eindhoven eindhoven airport”
- NOS — „eindhoven eindhoven airport”
- Het Parool — „eindhoven eindhoven airport”