Miss. Man Injured in Explosion of Anti-Tank Round

Jan. 20--GULFPORT -- Authorities plan to detonate live artillery throughout the night on Saucier Lane, where police found live military-grade ammunition after an explosion seriously injured a man this afternoon.

Police Chief Alan Weatherford about 8:30 p.m. said residents may hear the sounds several miles away.

One man was seriously injured this afternoon while apparently cutting on an anti-tank round on the property.

Federal agents joined Gulfport police and firefighters in the 14400 block of Saucier Lane, where the explosion occurred. Police said the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is now in charge of the scene.

Weatherford tonight said ATF agents recommended bringing military personnel in to detonate the live munition, some of which is damaged. He said police and firefighters will remain on scene until the detonations are finished.

Fire Chief Mike Beyerstedt said authorities discovered the ammunition after a seriously injured man was brought to Fire Station No. 11 on Three Rivers Road about 1:30 p.m. Firefighter/paramedics stabilized him while waiting on an ambulance. Authorities at first were told the man was cutting on a welding tank, Beyerstedt said.

Where would they have obtained anti-tank rounds?

"That is what we would like to know," said Police Capt. Neal Stachura.

Police put crime-scene tape around the wood-frame home, which is in a wooded area at the end of the road. Saucier Lane is off South Swan Road and just west of Beulah Church Road. Neighbors in a few nearby homes have been evacuated.

One officer used a hammer to break the window on a camper next to the home. He came out holding what appeared to be an assault rifle.

Read more at SunHerald.com on Friday.

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