Suspected Mortar Shell Discovered Near Kymi Airfield in Kotka
A rusted military explosive was found near Kymi Airfield in Kotka on Sunday afternoon, prompting authorities to cordon off the area and request assistance from the Finnish Defence Forces. The Southeast Finland Police Department confirmed that the incident posed no immediate danger to bystanders.
The explosive was discovered by a passerby shortly after 2:00 PM (Iltalehti). Police secured the site and called in the Defence Forces to handle the removal of the suspected ordnance. Helsingin Sanomat reports that the explosive was likely a mortar shell, which the Defence Forces will dispose of safely.
The discovery occurred in an area where the Jukola relay, a major orienteering event, had taken place over the weekend. Police assured that the incident did not threaten participants or spectators (Ilta-Sanomat, Iltalehti). Kymi Airfield, originally built as a military airfield during the Continuation War, has historical significance in the region (Helsingin Sanomat).