News Summary
A construction crew at the Port of Long Beach discovered a World War II-era explosive device, leading to immediate evacuation and safety measures by local authorities. The Long Beach Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard promptly set up a safety perimeter while the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad and U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team investigated the device. After confirming it was safe, the explosive was transported off-site and deactivated. Operations at the port resumed normally, reflecting the efficiency of emergency responders and highlighting the importance of vigilance in historical areas.
Long Beach
On Wednesday afternoon, a construction crew at the Port of Long Beach unearthed a World War II-era explosive device during routine work at Pier G, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
The Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard swiftly evacuated the terminal area and set up a safety perimeter around the site of the discovery. This precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety of workers and nearby personnel.
Authorities believe the device is approximately eighty years old. In response to the situation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in to assess the potential threat posed by the explosive.
Cargo operations at Pier G were halted as teams worked to evaluate the situation. Meanwhile, the remaining five container terminals at the port continued to operate normally, allowing for minimal disruption to port activities.
Emergency Response
The U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was summoned to assist with the investigation of the device. Their expertise was crucial in determining the safety and handling of the explosive found at the port.
After a thorough examination, the Marine Corps team confirmed the device was safe to transport. The explosive was subsequently moved off-site where it was deactivated without incident.
Resumption of Operations
By Wednesday night, operations at the Port of Long Beach resumed to normal following the successful handling of the situation. The swift actions of emergency responders prevented any injuries or major disruptions within the port area.
Historical Context
The Port of Long Beach has a rich historical background, having served as a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 to 1997. Given its extensive history, incidents like this, though rare, are a reminder of the lasting remnants of the World War II era that can surface during construction and excavation activities.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance in construction zones, particularly in areas with significant historical activity. Standard protocol includes informing the appropriate agencies when any potential hazardous materials are found.
Overall, the incident showcased the preparedness and efficiency of local emergency services in managing potentially dangerous situations while ensuring public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: World War II explosive device
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: World War II explosive devices
- Long Beach Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosive Devices
- AOL News
- Google News: Long Beach Port explosive device
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
