Explosion at a scrapyard in Pretoria West

[VirtualForce]

What was he thinking...seriously, my mind boggles at this...I cant comprehend what he thought while he was doing this. Its like those guys in Syria digging out unexploded ordnance with a pickaxe and a large crowbar (can get the correct word for that now...fulcrum?)

My sincerest condolences to the family, but some things are just obvious.

There's been an explosion at a scrapyard in Pretoria West.

Information on the exact cause of the explosion at the business in Rebecca Street is still sketchy at this stage.

It’s understood bomb squad experts are at the scene and have cordoned off two blocks around the area.

A neighbour says he heard a loud noise and was devastated by what he found when he went to investigate.

“I heard this loud explosive noise. As far as I could find out, they tried to cut open a mortar. There are body parts on the pavement. It was terrible sight.”

Emergency officials say they cannot yet say what caused the explosion, but have confirmed that one person has died.

Spokesman Johan Pieterse says they are awaiting further instruction from police who have taken charge of the scene.

“There was an explosion report. At this stage we not sure what caused it. We are on standby and awaiting instruction from police. We are not allowed in at this stage.”

Source: EWN

[AlienTaker]

That is just plain stupid, i i have done stupid things in my life but man..................and i work on a mine i have been taught some stupid shit too but never tried it without the proper supervision

[Hagan]

Yeah - the news yesterday said: "He was blown to pieces".
Who the hell fiddles with a mortar with no experience OR proper equipment.

[mk786]

Where did they even get that from?

[Ike_009]

Some people are truly desperate for scrap metal to sell. Still that guy is an idiot for playing with a mortar, all explosives are live.

[VirtualForce]

Where did they even get that from?

Pretoria - A scrap yard owner in Pretoria was killed when a mortar, believed to date back to World War II, exploded when he was dismantling it on Monday morning.

The man’s stomach was blown open, said an eNCA reporter at the scene. At least one other person was seriously injured.

The reporter also said there are three other explosives at the scene.

The police’s bomb squad was on the scene.

A police officer told the Times that the destruction was “huge” and the mortars appear to be about 110mm in size.

The officer said the bombs were often found on the hills bordering Atteridgeville and Saulsville which were used as a bombing range by the then South African Defence Force during WWII.

Source : News24

Well thats just so damned smart, leave the stuff there, why didnt army clean it up? Is the area market as unsafe? Also, just awesome letting everyone know where to go get explosive...oh well, at least Darwin will smile.