Explosives found in Chattahoochee River pose no risk to public in Columbus, Phenix City

An unknown number of explosives found in the Chattahoochee River this week pose no threat to the public, according to law enforcement.

Officers from the Columbus police and Muscogee County Sheriff’s office found explosives in the Chattahoochee River around the Dillingham St. Bridge Wednesday.

The number of explosives found is unconfirmed, but a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said they were not a danger.

The spokesperson said the bombs were likely left in the river after an Army training exercise. As of now, it is unknown whether any of them were live.

One of the officers behind the Columbus Convention and Trade Center said the Army was responsible for continuing to search for more explosives. Two boats from the Columbus Fire & EMS department were at the bottom of the raft launch behind the convention center.

Nearly a dozen CPD officers were dispatched to block traffic near where the explosives were found, including the Dillingham St. Bridge and a part of the Riverwalk behind the convention center. Columbus police said the areas will be closed until at least 11 a.m.

The river is known for world class kayaking and paddling, but it also home to historic artifacts, including cannonballs, according to reporting by the Ledger-Enquirer.

This story was originally published June 13, 2024 at 10:07 AM.