Law enforcement authorities detonate metallic containers in the Ore Mountains.
The enigma continues: items linked to a man are discovered near an abandoned mine tunnel in the Ore Mountains, indications point towards him being inside. A metallic canister is uncovered, experts suspect it holds an explosive compound. The individual's location remains undiscovered.
Law enforcement agencies continue their hunt for a man reported missing from Annaberg-Buchholz, Saxony's Ore Mountains. On Wednesday, investigations were carried out in the mine tunnel but no results were yielded.
However, a metallic container was unearthed there. Specialists from the State Criminal Office handled it safely in a nearby quarry, the police reported. The cylinder, sealed with welds, is assumed to have housed an explosive substance. Details regarding the specific type and quantity are yet to be disclosed.
At this stage, all customary protocols for missing persons are being scrutinized, clarified Chemnitz police spokeswoman Jana Ulbricht. The man's circle is under investigation. "It's still uncertain if more search operations will be conducted in the tunnel."
A 34-year-old seems to have entered the old tunnel
On Wednesday morning, a staff member from Oberbergamt alerted the police that an individual appeared to have gained entry into the ancient shaft in Frohnau district. Nearby, the missing man's backpack and bicycle were spotted. The shaft entrance itself was ajar.
Subsequently, a massive team comprising of police and firefighters were mobilized, including the Bergbau- and Höhenrettungsdienst of the Annaberg-Buchholz fire department. Since the owner of the found items couldn't be reached via phone or at his usual spots, the man was searched for within the spacious shaft until nightfall, it was stated. "Everything conceivable to search in the shaft has been searched." Relatives of the man held no information about his whereabouts.
Despite the man's disappearance being reported from Annaberg-Buchholz, the investigation seeking clues extends beyond Saxony's borders. The metallic container found in the Ore Mountains was traced back to a Dutch supplier, suggesting a connection between the missing person and The Netherlands.
In light of this new discovery, Dutch authorities have agreed to collaborate with their German counterparts, sharing potential relevant information to aid the ongoing investigation in The Netherlands.
