Bomb Squad Techs: Defusing or Detonating Out of Harm's Way

The decision faced by bomb squad technicians can be complex and requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. Whether to defuse a bomb or detonate it out of the way depends on the bomb's location, size, age, fuse technology, and available defusal equipment. This article examines bomb defusal and bomb detonation methods in different scenarios, providing insights into the challenges and approaches adopted by professionals in this field.

Factors Influencing the Decision

The choice between defusing a bomb or detonating it is influenced by several key factors, including the bomb's physical location, size, age, fuse technology, and the availability of defusal equipment. These factors play a crucial role in determining the safest course of action.

Bomb Location

The location of the bomb is a critical consideration. A bomb in a safe and open area, such as a field, is more likely to be detonated in place with controlled explosives (like C4 and a J2 blasting cap) rather than attempted defusal. For instance, in a pasture where a small bomb is found, the priority is to remove the danger quickly.

Bomb Size and Age

Bigger bombs and those of historical significance, such as a WWII 1,000lb bomb found in Germany in 2013, often require a defusal approach. Age and condition also matter; if the bomb is from a Civil War era and still live, the technicians may need to drill a hole, wet the powder, and discard it safely. However, extremely corroded or rusted shells may necessitate a different strategy.

Fuse Technology

Understanding the bomb's fuse technology is essential in deciding the appropriate action. Fuses designed with anti-removal devices make defusal dangerous, as attempting to disarm the bomb can trigger it. This was the case with a WWI-era bomb in Germany, where the bomb was safely detonated to prevent a dangerous situation.

Equipment Availability

The availability of the necessary equipment to defuse the bomb is another critical factor. If the equipment is not available or if defusal equipment is not deemed safe, the bomb squad might opt for a controlled detonation instead.

Real-World Examples

Let's explore a few real-world examples to further illustrate the complexity of the decision faced by bomb squad technicians.

Example 1: Small Bomb in a Field

In one instance, a small bomb was discovered in a field. Given the location and the probability of quick evacuation, the bomb squad decided to detonate the bomb in place using controlled explosives. This method was chosen to minimize risk and ensure rapid removal of the threat.

Example 2: Active WWII Bomb in a Neighborhood

Another example involves a WWII 1,000lb bomb found in a residential area in Germany. Upon examination, it was deemed infeasible to safely disable the fuse due to anti-removal devices. As a result, the bomb was detonated to prevent any potential hazards, severely damaging a nearby home in the process.

Example 3: Civil War Shells

Civil War-era munitions found in the US are frequently encountered. Typically, such shells are defused by drilling a small hole, wetting the powder, and rinsing it out. However, in the case of a recent discovery along a seashore, where the shells were extremely corroded, rusted, and concreted, they were deemed to be beyond salvaging and were detonated to ensure safety.

Example 4: Casino Bomb with Switches

A more complex scenario occurred when a huge bomb was placed in a casino with a bank of switches. A ransom demand was made, and the FBI attempted to defuse the bomb with X-rays and other technical equipment. However, their analysis revealed that the bomb was equipped with a trembler switch, which would detonate any movement. In this case, the priority was to evacuate the building and detonate the bomb to prevent any further damage, though it resulted in substantial property damage.

Conclusion

As shown in these examples, the strategies employed by bomb squad technicians vary widely depending on the circumstances. Decisions range from detonation in place to controlled defusal, with each approach aimed at ensuring the safety of the public and minimizing damage. The expertise and judgment of the technicians are paramount in these high-stakes situations.