An EOD crew from Malmstrom Air Force Base was called into action Wednesday after a report of unexploded ordnance was made near Twin Bridges, Montana
By: MTN News, Aug 25, 2022
TWIN BRIDGES — A crew from Malmstrom Air Force Base was called into
action Wednesday after a report of unexploded ordinance was made near Twin Bridges.
On Wednesday, August 24 at 4:44 pm, the Madison County Communications
Center received a report of possible unexploded ordnance near mile marker 23
on Montana Highway 41 South near Twin Bridges. The original call described
three pieces of what the reporting party believed to be dynamite. The dynamite
was found in an outbuilding that was set to be demolished.
Madison County deputies responded to the residence. Two deputies entered
the building and confirmed the pieces to be unexploded ordnance and other
possible ordnance was located at the scene. The two deputies, one with prior
military experience in explosive materials, documented the ordnance and
exited the building. The United States Air Force 341st Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD) Unit from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls was
informed of the situation and responded to the scene.
In cooperation with multiple agencies and resources, the Madison County
Sheriff’s Office and the USAF EOD team destroyed the explosives after being
safely transported away from the residence onto state-owned land. The EOD
team identified the explosives as highly unstable and responded as such.
Montana Highway 41 South was closed for a brief period to mitigate the risk to
the public. Ruby Valley EMS and the Twin Bridges Volunteer Fire Department
were also on the scene during the incident to provide any needed aid.
In a release issued by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, officials stated:
“This incident is not only an example of the bravery of America’s service
members, law enforcement, emergency medical services and firefighters, but
also demonstrates the danger of holding onto unexploded ordnance. Please do
not allow situations like this to repeat themselves. The reporting party did the
correct thing by immediately notifying law enforcement. A sweep of the
property was performed and no more ordinance was located.
A big thank you goes out to the United States Air Force, Ruby Valley EMS,
Twin Bridges Volunteer Fire Department, and the Madison County
Communications Center for their assistance in this incident.”
For More information about the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron EOD team
Visit their site here: 341st Civil Engineer Squadron EOD team
