Two dead as WWII shell explodes in Luxembourg

Tragedy struck in Luxembourg after a World War II artillery shell detonated, claiming the lives of two bomb disposal engineers and injuring two others. The explosion occurred at the Army’s Waldhof ammunition depot, a facility responsible for the safe storage and disposal of historical munitions. One of the injured remains in critical condition.

The munition in question, a 15cm WWII-era artillery shell, had previously been defused and was considered safe. However, as this devastating incident demonstrates, even deactivated ordnance can still pose a deadly risk under certain conditions.

The dangers of ageing UXO

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) that has been buried for decades is continuously subjected to environmental factors, which can significantly alter its stability. Rainwater, temperature fluctuations, and soil acidity contribute to the degradation of explosive materials. Over time, chemical reactions within the ordnance can lead to the formation of sensitive crystalline compounds, a process experts refer to as explosives “sweating.” This condition makes some munitions highly unstable, meaning that even a small disturbance can trigger an unexpected detonation.

Although rare, similar incidents have occurred before, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by legacy munitions in former war zones. The Luxembourg demining service (SEDAL) carries out approximately 250 UXO disposals per year, underscoring the extent of contamination in the region.

Why is Luxembourg still affected by UXO?

Luxembourg was the site of several significant battles during World War II, particularly during the Ardennes Offensive (also known as the Battle of the Bulge) between December 1944 and January 1945. During this period, intense artillery bombardments left large quantities of unexploded shells across the country. Heavy rainfall at the time created thick mud, which absorbed much of the impact force, preventing many shells from detonating upon impact. These buried munitions continue to pose a threat to this day.

While controlled UXO clearance efforts have been ongoing since the war ended, munitions are still regularly discovered, particularly in the northern parts of the country where fighting was most intense. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers UXO presents, even in areas that have undergone clearance operations.

How common are UXO-related deaths?

Fatal UXO incidents in Central Europe are relatively rare, thanks to robust education, effective disposal programs, and generally stable environmental conditions. However, other parts of the world continue to struggle with a high rate of UXO-related casualties. Southeast Asia, for example, remains one of the most heavily contaminated regions due to extensive bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War. The United States dropped over 270 million cluster munitions during the conflict, with an estimated 80 million failing to detonate. Many of these devices continue to kill and maim civilians today, particularly in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Mitigating UXO risks

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in unexploded ordnance risk management, providing industry-leading UXO assessment, survey, investigation, and disposal services. As the UK’s only government-assured UXO company, we are committed to ensuring safety across a wide range of environments, both in the UK and internationally.

If you have an upcoming project that may be affected by UXO, contact our commercial team to discuss how we can help mitigate risks and keep your site safe.

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