Texola, OK — A discovery near Texola earlier this week led to a coordinated response from local and military officials after what appeared to be unexploded military ordnance was uncovered during construction work.

According to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning, the object was found by workers installing a waterline on the west side of the county, just north of the breaks near a roadway. The workers noticed the item appeared unusual and heavily corroded, prompting them to contact authorities.

A deputy responded to the scene and sent images to personnel at Fort Sill, who identified the object as a possible fuse from an older piece of military ordnance. Officials indicated it could still pose an explosive risk.

Law enforcement established a safety perimeter around the area while awaiting the arrival of a military response team. Out of caution, a nearby residence was evacuated. Assistance was also provided by local emergency responders, including Erick Fire and EMS.

Military personnel later examined the device using x-ray equipment and safely removed it from the site.

Sheriff Manning said the origin of the ordnance remains unknown.

“We really don’t know how it got there,” Manning said. “It could have been transported and dropped, or possibly something from past activity in the area.”

Authorities did not report any injuries, and the situation was resolved without incident.

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