The number of oxidized mortar shells that were located, removed and neutralized from the construction site of Leontos Sofou Street in the center of Thessaloniki has reached 69, while excavations by the Army continue on a daily basis.

According to information, on Tuesday (4/10) a team of the Hellenic Army’s Land Mine Clearance Department (TENX) unearthed another German World War II shell from the construction site – possibly the last one – while on Monday more 17 shells were found.

In total, the number of shells found is 69, while according to the same information, it is possible that the investigations will be completed today, as it is estimated that the shell that was unearthed on Tuesday was the last one.

As sources with knowledge of the works at the construction site of Leontos Sofou report, the most likely scenario under consideration is that this area was an ammunition warehouse for the Germans during the Nazi occupation of the city. That is, the shells are either stored at the site, or have been relocated to the site from somewhere else.

However, the shells found are intact and active and do not come from any bombing. The scenario is also supported by the fact that the shells were stacked.

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On the specific construction site there was a three-story apartment building, which had been erected in 1954 and was demolished in 2004, according to local residents, so that a hotel could be built.

In addition, during the excavations carried out in the presence of the local archaeologist department, parts of older underground structures of the 20th century have been found, which had no archaeological value and were therefore demolished.