Austin police bomb squad neutralizes WWII grenades found at estate sale

A man in Austin, Texas, discovered live World War II-era grenades inside a box purchased at an estate sale. The discovery prompted an immediate response from the Austin Police Department.

Bomb squad technicians used X-ray examinations to determine that the devices were “live and active.” A total of six grenades were recovered, including U.S. Mk 2 fragmentation grenades, which are often referred to as “pineapples” due to their grooved cast-iron bodies. The collection also included shipping tubes and packaging for an M21 practice grenade.

Police officers established a perimeter to ensure neighborhood safety while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit arrived. The bomb squad successfully performed “render-safe procedures” to eliminate the hazards. Authorities stated that the explosives appeared to be in good condition despite their age, and there is no ongoing investigation into the matter.