Farmall Cub

Just in time for mowing season! I got this in an email from a friend. Living in a semi-rural area I am always finding bottles in the yard. Although most of them are empty, I will be a little more cautious should I see a full one.

The email follows;
On 4/18/2010 at approximately 8:00 AM, WCSO Deputy Mansell was dispatched to Bemis Road in York Township for a possible explosive device. Upon arrival it was discovered the object was an unexploded “Works Bomb” in the front yard. After Mansell cleared it away from the residence it detonated itself within 30 seconds. After leaving this residence he located another “Works Bomb” a couple doors down laying again in the front yard. Luckily no one has been hurt in these two situations; however please take this time to educate yourself and family.
The chemical reaction makes a volatile build up of gases and subsequently detonates the bottle with a great amount of force. Once the detonation occurs, the chemical substance that is in the bottle is actually boiling liquid.
The amount of force that is generated at the time of the explosion is enough to severe fingers and also delivers 2nd and 3rd degree chemical burns to the victim. The chemicals can possibly cause blindness and the toxic fumes can be harmful.

When you are out and about in your yards, please be mindful of these devices. If you’re picking up your morning paper, or mowing your grass, or if you let your children play outside; whatever your activities are, please use the following precautions.

1. If you find a soda bottle or any other bottles, examine it carefully before you touch it or get near it. If it shows signs of swelling, or melting in any way or simply just has liquid inside of it, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Call 911.

Both of the bombs listed above appeared to be slightly swollen, with a dark colored liquid, inside of it. This liquid could have easily been mistaken for left over soda.

In closing, please educate your children on the dangers and consequences of making these devices. It has become popular with the youth in the past few years, to do this as a prank, but there have been some changes to the law. Not only could it be deadly to the maker or the victim, but making one these devices is called, "Possession of a Substance with Explosive Capabilities". If it causes no damage, it’s a 15 year Felony. If it causes damage, it’s a 20 year Felony. If it causes physical injury, it’s a 25 year Felony. If it causes serious injury, the penalty can be "Up to life", and if it causes death, it’s Mandatory Life without the possibility of Parole. These are statutory guidelines only.
We have included a video link to show you what happens when the “Works Bomb” detonates.



Lisa King, Sergeant
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office

While this may be old news to some members it is new to me. Hopefully this is just a passing, but dangerous, fad and we will not ever see one. As Jeff Silvey always says "Be Safe"

Thanks for the post.

Wow

Every spring we find all kinds of bottles, cans and other flotsam that seems to leave some folk's vehicles instead of staying in their garbage bag. One year in the ditch just past our yard, it was a can with fireworks inside.. thankfully it didn't go off I will have to get Em and the girls to look at this video.. an eye opener.

They are real. Just a chemical reaction. I did a google and it was frightening. Don't try it.

Learn something new everyday thanks for the post

That's a good heads-up, Bill. Living on a state highway, I find bottles & cans in my front yard all the time, they've always been harmless, but I'll pay closer attention to them now.

From what I have read and heard from others since yesterday is that once one of these is made they generally will burst shortly after the chemical is in contact with the tin foil that is added. I have learned this morning that it should only take a minute or so before they go off. With that said, it would almost, and I want to stress “almost”, safe to assume that if a suspicious bottle were to be found in your yard, it may not be anything more than a soda if it has been there for a period of time.

Thanks for the post, Bill. I live on a county dirt road, and all the time have bottles and beer cans in the yard. I, too, will pay closer attention. This is a bit scary!

I've set off hundreds of those in my younger years but be reminded that one could put the tin foil at the top of the bottle and it won't mix until the bottle tips over so,...it is possible to have it react weeks later once its activated. Some have been known to make these up and set on someones rear bumper and WILL go off when knocked to the ground. Not a good idea. Be safe. Grump

Thanks for the info, Bill. We are always picking up trash along the road in front of the house. We will be a little more careful from now on.