An empty field beside Langdale Elementary School was a hub of activity Tuesday night as an RCMP explosive unit detonated several blasting caps removed that day from a nearby home.
Earlier on Jan. 19, a member of the public reported to Sunshine Coast RCMP that he wished to turn in a box of blasting caps that had been in a family home for a number of years.
"Sunshine Coast RCMP and members of the RCMP explosives disposal unit (EDU) attended the residence and it was determined that the blasting caps were approximately 50 years old and possible volatile," said Const. Jason Aho. "EDU members concluded that the explosive devices presented an immediate threat to public safety and needed to be removed and destroyed."
Aho said the blasting caps were removed from the residence by members of the EDU and safely detonated in an empty field at the school with two consecutive charges around 7 p.m.
He said every precaution was taken to maintain public safety.
"The RCMP would like to thank the members of the public who waited patiently while the area was closed down for the safe destruction of the explosives," said Aho. "We would also like to reinforce the fact that these devices present a danger to the public and ensure that members of the public are aware that these devices may become unstable over time."Anyone in possession of these or similar explosive devices are asked to contact RCMP at 604-885-2266.
