“Buried Secrets: Metal Detecting Duo Stumbles Upon Explosive WWII Arsenal in Belgium’s Shadows”
How A Metal Detecting Hunt Revealed A World War II-Era Weapons Cache
ArcheoNet VlaanderenA photo of Houthalen, Belgium, located near the bushes where the two youths discovered the weapons cache.
On April 7, 2025, two youths were metal detecting around the Herebaan-Oost, a street in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, when they realized something was buried in the bushes. Then, the pair unearthed three hand grenades, six light mortars, one Ordnance QF 2-pounder shell (an anti-tank gun shell), and two 37mm shells — all from World War II.
Understanding the potential danger of the situation, the two collected all of their finds in one place and called local authorities.
“There was a very alert response by the various services,” Mayor Alain Yzermans (Hoppah) stated, according to Het Nieuwsblad. “That is extremely important in such situations. You can never know whether found ammunition can still pose a danger or not.”
Local police blocked off the area with tape and warning signs before a demining service arrived and safely carried the items away.
While the town was buzzing with excitement from the news, local authorities warned any would-be metal detectorists that handling weapons, regardless of their age, can be an incredibly dangerous act.
“It’s good that the youths contacted the police, but it could have ended differently,” Svea Daniels, a spokesperson for the Carma police zone, explained. “The youths in Houthalen-Helchteren were lucky that nothing exploded. The right reaction is to stay at a distance and contact the police. They will take care of it.”
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