Second Suspected Historic Mortar Discovered in P.E.I. Potato Field Within Two Days

A potato harvesting operation in Prince Edward Island has uncovered a second suspected historic explosive device in the same field within two days, prompting another response from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Department of National Defence.

East Prince RCMP said officers were called to a farm in North Bedeque at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a potato harvester uncovered what appeared to be a mortar among potatoes transported from a field in Slemon Park.

The discovery came just one day after another suspected explosive munition was found in the same field on Tuesday. Authorities treated both devices as potentially dangerous and arranged for the Department of National Defence to collect them.

According to police, the field was once part of the former military base in Slemon Park, which was decommissioned between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Portions of the former base have since been used for agricultural purposes for many years.

The farmer who discovered both suspected mortars is renting the field for the current growing season, police said.

RCMP Urges Public to Stay Away From Suspected Explosives

Following the first discovery, the RCMP reminded the public to exercise extreme caution if they encounter a potentially explosive military object.

Cpl. Gavin Moore, the RCMP’s media relations officer in Prince Edward Island, said people should keep their distance, treat the object as though it could still detonate and avoid transporting it to a police station or military facility.

Police said officers would respond to the location, secure the area and maintain control of the scene until the item could be safely dealt with by the appropriate authorities.

Moore noted that discoveries of this nature occasionally occur on the Island, although they are not common.

The repeated discoveries have also raised questions about the presence of potentially dangerous military remnants in land that has been converted to agricultural use.

The RCMP said any concerns regarding the specific field will need to be addressed by the property owner in coordination with the Department of National Defence.

Authorities have not confirmed the age or exact origin of either suspected mortar in the information released about the incidents.

The discoveries serve as a reminder that old military equipment and unexploded ordnance can remain hazardous long after former military sites have been decommissioned.

Anyone who encounters a suspected explosive device should leave it undisturbed, move away from the area and contact police rather than attempting to handle or transport it.

Courtesy: CBC