What we know:
Resident received property from a recently deceased relative. Resident was opening boxes and discovered the explosives Resident contacted the Pleasant Hill Police Department, The Lees Summit Police Department Bomb Squad is on scene. They will be removing the explosives from the shed and conducting an on-site, controlled detonation.
The Sugarland walking trail, along with a portion of Sugarland Parkway will be closed briefly for the controlled detonation.
UPDATE
8/8/23 1:03 pm
The explosive located were classified as a G 1.4 explosive device. They are similar in explosive capability to that of a consumer grade firework. The explosives were old and what many may previously know as a railroad torpedo.
Prior to modern signaling, advanced communication devices, and other advances in our railway systems, these “railroad torpedoes” were used an audible signal device to oncoming trains to stop immediately. It was a signal that a train may be stopped ahead on the same line or some other hazardous condition may exist.
The railroad torpedo’s or railway detonators are coin sized devices, strapped to the top of a rail line, usually in pairs, and would detonate when an oncoming train went over them.
The area is now clear and normal activities can be resumed.
There were no injuries during this incident. A special thanks to the Lees Summit Police Departments Bomb Squad for their assistance and expertise.
8/8/23 1:03 pm
The explosive located were classified as a G 1.4 explosive device. They are similar in explosive capability to that of a consumer grade firework. The explosives were old and what many may previously know as a railroad torpedo.
Prior to modern signaling, advanced communication devices, and other advances in our railway systems, these “railroad torpedoes” were used an audible signal device to oncoming trains to stop immediately. It was a signal that a train may be stopped ahead on the same line or some other hazardous condition may exist.
The railroad torpedo’s or railway detonators are coin sized devices, strapped to the top of a rail line, usually in pairs, and would detonate when an oncoming train went over them.
The loud report from the blast would audibly signal the engineer to stop the train. They are no longer in use in the United States.
The area is now clear and normal activities can be resumed.
There were no injuries during this incident. A special thanks to the Lees Summit Police Departments Bomb Squad for their assistance and expertise.
