Paris: four World War II shells discovered in a cellar

A surprising discovery has shaken up daily life in a building in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Four shells dating back to the Second World War were unearthed in a Parisian cellar, prompting a major security operation. A reminder that the capital still retains traces of its tumultuous past.

An unexpected discovery in the basement of Paris

It was during routine work that workmen made this disturbing discovery. The four explosive devices had been lying there for almost 80 years, forgotten in this Parisian cellar in the north of the capital. The authorities were immediately alerted and took the situation very seriously.

The deminers were quickly on the scene. Their mission was to assess the danger and secure the perimeter without delay. As a result, a large-scale operation was launched in the neighborhood.

The building’s inhabitants had to leave their homes in a hurry. Although stressful, the evacuation went smoothly. As a result, the police were able to work calmly to neutralize the threat.

“This type of discovery is still common in Paris, where many remnants of war remain buried beneath our feet.

A security perimeter has been set up

To ensure everyone was protected, a large perimeter was set up around the building. Adjacent streets were closed to traffic for several hours. In addition, nearby businesses temporarily lowered their curtains.

Local residents were asked to stay at home or move away from the area. This precautionary measure was taken to avoid any accidents in the event of delicate handling of the shells. The mine clearance services then proceeded to extract the devices.

• 4 shells discovered in basements
• Estimated date: World War II
• Location: 18th arrondissement of Paris
• Preventive evacuation of residents
• Specialized demining teams

Parisian cellars, silent witnesses to history

It’s not the first time a Parisian cellar has revealed secrets from the past. In fact, the capital was the scene of many events during the war. Bombing and fighting left lasting traces in the subsoil.

Every year, dozens of similar discoveries are reported in the Paris region. Some are grenades, ammunition or even large bombs. These relics are a reminder of the dark hours experienced by the people of Paris.

Renovation work in older buildings is often the source of such finds. Nowadays, homeowners and craftsmen are well aware of the need to remain vigilant when working in basements. A Parisian cellar can conceal some dangerous surprises.

Experts recommend never touching a suspect object. To avoid tragedy, the relevant authorities should be alerted immediately. Caution is still called for when dealing with these potentially active relics.

What to do in the event of a similar discovery?

If you find an object that looks like ammunition, do not move it. Move away calmly and call the fire department on 17 or 18. These services will handle the situation safely.

It’s also a good idea to tell your neighbors to stay away. While waiting for help to arrive, stay calm and follow the instructions given by telephone. Your responsiveness can prevent a serious accident.

A neighborhood relieved after the operation

Once the shells had been removed and secured, residents were able to return to their homes. Normalcy gradually returned in the afternoon. However, this misadventure will remain engraved in the memories of the neighborhood.

The building’s residents have expressed relief mixed with astonishment. Living above explosive devices for decades without knowing it is an unsettling thought. This Parisian cellar will now hold a special place in local history.

The authorities praised the cool-headedness of the residents and the efficiency of the demining teams. Thanks to their coordination, no incidents occurred. The operation ended without any injuries or material damage.

This event underlines the importance of taking care when working on old buildings. A Parisian cellar, however ordinary it may seem, can sometimes harbor forgotten vestiges of the past. Collective vigilance remains the best defence against unpleasant surprises.

• Parisian cellar