WWII ordnance detonated on Tinian

Posted on Apr 15 2005

Some 500 pounds of World War II ordnance went up in smoke yesterday after bomb experts detonated them on Tinian.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Eric David said the detonation was safely conducted at the old Tinian quarry site.

A team composed of the DPS’ Explosives Response Team, the U.S. Navy’s Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit, and the Emergency Management Office detonated the vintage ordnance.

Emergency responders on Tinian had collected the explosives right after various sightings by community members.

Discovery of vintage ordnance in public places has been a common event in the CNMI, which was a battleground during World War II.

The government collects live ordnance and schedules them for detonation, since they pose a threat to public safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection also considers them a threat to the environment and public health, authorizing their disposal by detonation. (John Ravelo)

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