The patient admitted to inserting an object into his anus, without specifying what it was. During surgery to remove the object, medical staff realized it was a military projectile measuring around 20 centimeters long and just over 3 centimeters in diameter, dating back to 1918.
Fearing a potential explosion, surgeons halted the procedure immediately and called the authorities. The police activated the bomb disposal team, which ordered the full evacuation of the hospital and established a security perimeter while assessing the device. Experts later determined the shell posed no immediate danger.
The case was referred to the Judicial Support Group, which opened proceedings against the man for possession of Category A ammunition, according to the French newspaper La Dépêche.
The patient, who remains in recovery following surgery, is expected to be questioned in the coming days to explain the origin of the shell.
The unusual incident has drawn international media attention, including coverage by The Sun and El País, due to the rare combination of a medical emergency and potential explosive risk that led to the hospital evacuation.
The event highlights the dangers of handling historic ordnance, especially in unexpected circumstances, and underscores the need for coordination between medical teams and security forces to ensure public safety.
