Old dynamite found and destroyed

  • New property owners discovered dynamite that had likely been stored in an old tractor trailer for many years. Law enforcement destroyed it at a remote location.
    New property owners discovered dynamite that had likely been stored in an old tractor trailer for many years. Law enforcement destroyed it at a remote location.

    Staff

    Reports

     

    The June 26 discovery of old dynamite stored in abandoned tractor trailer on property near Davis Loop led to its removal and eventual disposal, according to a release from Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan.

    The trailer where it had been stored had been concealed over many years by kudzu vines and heavy brush.

    Clay County Investigator Steven Smith, Lt. Tyler Faggard, Chief Joe Wood and Buchanan arrived at the recently purchased property to assess the situation. Explosive training agents with the SBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were called to the scene.

    The dynamite was soaked in diesel fuel for stabilization, the trailer locked back up and officers planned to dispose it the next day.

    Buchanan said the SBI and ATF agents determined the dynamite was safe to secure until the following morning. 

    The next morning Officers along with Clay County Emergency Medical Services and Clay County Fire & Rescue reassembled to remove the dynamite from the trailer and transport it to a remote location for disposal.

     A nearby daycare, church, and residents were notified prior to the removal of the dynamite and it was safely transported to a remote pasture and burned without incident.