Civil War era artillery shell found in Pennsylvania basement
A young couple discovered the live explosive while cleaning out their newly purchased home in South Connellsville.
A young couple in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, found a live artillery shell from the American Civil War while cleaning their new home on Sunday, according to the Times of India.
The object was located in the basement of a house in the 1900 block of Fourth Street among items left behind by the previous owners. The homeowners contacted the police after noticing the unusual object, which they initially believed might be a mortar.
Fayette County 911 stated that emergency responders were requested at approximately 1.20 pm. Connellsville Police Sergeant Bryan Kendi said the couple was sorting through belongings when they came across the item.
Police officers photographed the object and sent the image to the Allegheny County Police Bomb Squad for assessment. Specialists then travelled to the property to inspect the item in person.
The bomb squad confirmed the object was a live artillery shell dating back to the 19th century. Personnel collected the shell from the property for proper disposal.