A California museum experienced an unexpected donation on Wednesday when a live grenade was brought in. The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum's executive director confirmed the donation came from a well-intentioned individual who was unaware of the item's live status.
Museum personnel quickly recognized the potential danger, placing the grenade outside and away from visitors before contacting authorities and evacuating the building. Local police closed off the street and requested assistance from a bomb squad stationed at the nearby Travis Air Force Base.
After a thorough examination, including a visual inspection and x-ray scan, the bomb squad determined the explosive device was safe for transport back to the base. Travis Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) now has possession of the grenade to ensure it poses no further risk.
The museum's executive director characterized the incident as an honest mistake by a donor with good intentions. He commended the operations manager for recognizing the danger and taking swift action. No injuries occurred, and the museum reopened to the public the following day.
This incident follows a tragic event last month in Lake County, Indiana, where a live grenade found among a grandfather's belongings detonated, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two teenagers.
