Safety advice issued as hunters stumble on unexploded artillery shell near Adelaide River

Emergency services have issued a safety warning after two unexploded shells were discovered in the Top End in one week.

Members from the ADF, Wildlife Rangers and NT Police safely detonated a 25-pound artillery shell this week. Picture: Supplied.

Two separate unexploded ordnances have been discovered in the Top End in the past week, prompting emergency services to issue safety advice to the public.

One of the explosives, a 25-pound artillery shell – likely a remnant from WWII – was discovered in the Stapleton Back Country Hunting area, an hour and a half south of Darwin.

A group of hunters discovered the shell and notified Parks and Wildlife staff, who then informed the police.

Two unexploded ordnances have been discovered in the Top End this week.

Picture: Supplied.

Together, a co-ordinated response between the Australian Defence Force, NT Police and the Park and Wildlife Rangers detonated the shell and the area was declared safe.

NT Police confirmed teams from the Batchelor and Adelaide River Police Stations had responded to two separate unexploded ordnance incidents in the past week.

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services issued a statement on their social media advising the public to steer clear of unexploded ordnances if they ever stumble upon one.

“Stay calm, don’t touch it or disturb it,” PFES said.

“Keep your distance from it (and) report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.”