The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office/Jackson Police Department Joint Regional Bomb Squad, successfully secured and removed six boxes of what is believed to be explosives found in a barn on Duffin Circle south of Thayne.
Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson said the home owner, who had recently purchased the property, called authorities on Monday, August 10 after he found the explosives in the loft of the barn. According to Sheriff Johnson, several of the boxes were clearly stamped with “HIGH EXPLOSIVES” and “DANGEROURS” while others had deteriorated and were difficult to read.
“Upon arrival, bomb technicians deployed portable X-ray equipment to inspect the boxes,” stated Sheriff Johnson. “After confirming the compounds were stable, the explosives were removed and transported for further testing and final disposal.”
It is believed that the explosives were to be used for mining purposes.
Johnson further explained that proper disposal will start with the bomb squad testing the contents of the boxes to determine exactly what is inside. They then could detonate them in a controlled manner, mix it with other material to make it non-explosive or spread it out to the point that there’s not enough to be a concern.
Sheriff Johnson commended the property owner for reporting the incident and avoiding any possible injury or property damage, stating that residents who find suspected explosives or old military munitions are encouraged to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
