FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Construction workers sifting through rocks in a construction site Monday morning found something a lot more dangerous, post officials said.
"Actually, what they picked up was a hand grenade," said Lt. Col. Ronald Taylor, provost marshal.
The grenade, commonly referred to as a "pineapple" because of its shape, was found in a construction site off Brown Avenue behind the NCO Club.
Finding the unexploded World War II era grenade should serve as a reminder to Fort Jackson residents, Soldiers and civilian employees to follow proper procedures if they find something that could be a potential danger, Taylor said.
"If you do see something and you aren't sure what it is, don't touch it," Taylor said. "Don't try to identify it yourself. Call 911 and let us deal with it."
Taylor said those who find something unusual should mark the spot by putting something in the ground nearby, and be able to describe the area to emergency workers.
Despite the find, residents need not be overly concerned, Taylor said. However, he added, because it is a military post, residents and others should be cognizant that there may be ammunition in the ground.
The grenade found Monday appeared to have been buried in the ground for several years, Taylor said, and the workers did the right thing by calling the Directorate of Emergency Services.
The post's Explosive Ordnance Detachment later removed the grenade and cleared the scene.
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