A cache found in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, contained hand grenades and light mortars.
ArcheoNet VlaanderenPhotograph of Houthalen, Belgium, taken near the bushes where two young men found a cache of weapons.
On April 7, 2025, two teenagers were searching with a metal detector on Herebaan-Oost Street in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, when they noticed something buried in the bushes. They then dug up three hand grenades, six light mortar shells, one Ordnance QF 2-pounder shell (anti-tank gun shell) and two 37mm shells – all dating back to World War II.
Realizing the potential danger of the situation, they collected all their findings in one place and called the local authorities.
“The various services reacted very carefully,” said Mayor Alain Izermans (Hoppach), according to Het Nieuwsblad. “That's extremely important in cases like this. You never know whether the ammunition found could be dangerous or not.”
Local police cordoned off the area with tape and put up warning signs, after which the bomb disposal service arrived and successfully removed the dangerous items.
While the city was buzzing with excitement over the find, local authorities warned any would-be gun hunters with a metal detector that handling ammunition, no matter how old, can be extremely dangerous.
“It's good that the young people contacted the police, but it could have ended differently,” explained police zone spokesperson Karma Svea Daniels. “The young people in Houthalen-Helchteren were lucky that nothing exploded. The right decision was to keep their distance and contact the police. They will sort it out.”
How did weapons from World War II end up in the bushes of Houthalen-Helchteren?
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