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How to open a box of explosives
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2008 Slush Pile

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How to open a box of explosives

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

Deadly Philippines blast as man blowtorches mortar shells: police

AFP 24 June 2008 | 6:03 PM

Manila, June 24, 2008 (AFP) - A huge explosion rocked the Philippines capital on Tuesday after a construction worker used a blowtorch to open unexploded shells he had unearthed at a bridge project, police said.

The blast killed scavenger Larry Garcia and caused serious shrapnel and burn injuries to Guillermo Genobe, who found the munitions while working on the bridge foundation, Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, told reporters.

The pair had tried to pry open the munitions with a blowtorch, causing the blast that shook the neighbourhood, he said.

"The earth shook from the force of the explosion," construction worker Aris Navida told police.

It was not known how the mortar shells got there. Manila was one of the most devastated cities during World War II, when Japanese forces occupied the Philippines before it was liberated by the United States.

Submitted on 06/25/2008

Submitted by: Martin Cailes
Reference: AFP 24th June 08 1803hrs

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

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James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Even though we just received a similar story from Greece, this one gets a DA nomination because: a) there were no bystanders; b) the blast was horrific and cartoony; and (most importantly) c) they used a blowtorch. Now let's see,,,WHAT happens when flame contacts a volatile high explosive? Oh yes...kaboom. These fellows one-upped nearly everyone else who ever attempted surgery on an unexploded shell by using a blowtorch. What WERE they thinking? I guess it matters little now...! Thanks, Martin!


Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I agree entirely with the points James made. Who in their right mind uses a blow torch on explosives? Thanks, Martin!


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