Excavation uncovers two tank shells in Carinthia

Two tank shells and other ammunition were found during excavation on a field in Zellach, in the municipality of Frantschach-St. Gertraud, on Tuesday. A nearby school was evacuated and rail traffic was temporarily halted, ORF Kärnten reported.

The rusty ammunition and a larger metal object were buried about 70 centimetres underground. Work stopped immediately and police were called. Authorities cordoned off a wide area and set up a local diversion.

A specialist identified the first find as a tank shell. A search nearby uncovered a second shell. The shells and other ammunition were secured and were due to be recovered by the Austrian armed forces’ explosive ordnance disposal service on Wednesday.