In a startling revelation last week, authorities were confronted with a potentially catastrophic situation when they unearthed 50 pounds of “antiquated” dynamite hidden away in an abandoned school bus parked on private property in Alaska.
According to the FBI’s Anchorage field office, the alarming find was made by a property owner in Glennallen, approximately 180 miles northeast of Anchorage. This individual stumbled upon the dynamite while exploring the dilapidated vehicle near the Richardson Highway and promptly reported this chilling discovery to local law enforcement, who in turn alerted the FBI.
On July 23, a collaborative response unfolded, engaging skilled FBI Special Agent Bomb Technicians, Alaska State Troopers, and local law enforcement officials. The situation was grave enough to warrant a controlled disposal of the hazardous materials. As a result, the Richardson Highway itself was temporarily shuttered, creating an eerie calm along the road while these trained professionals diligently worked to relocate the potentially volatile dynamite away from public harm.
Remarkably, the antiquated explosives—deemed at least two decades old—were monitored closely throughout the operation. Following a meticulous assessment, bomb disposal robots were employed to spray the explosives with a specialized chemical solution, designed to prevent detonation as they were incinerated far from human habitation.
Authorities emphasized that the property owner’s proactive response was commendable—a rare act of vigilance that may have prevented disaster. It seems more common than one might expect,“ cautioned the FBI Anchorage. “We appreciate the community's diligence in reporting this hazardous encounter to ensure safe disposal.”
For the sake of public safety, the agency urges citizens to report antiquated dynamite or any dangerous materials to their local law enforcement promptly.
*In an era where hazardous findings are not as infrequent as one would hope, the urgency of awareness and immediate action cannot be overstated.*
