Balclutha Police Station has Gelignite scare

At about 9.30am on Thursday 28th October 2010, a local farmer arrived at the Balclutha Police Station with a quantity of Gelignite and detonators for disposal.  When viewed by Police it was determined that the Gelignite may have been unstable and a decision was made to evacuate the Police station and surrounding businesses.

Cordons were put in place to control traffic flow and pedestrian traffic. The NZ Defence force, were contacted and flew down from Christchurch to assist Police with disposal of the Gelignite.

The Police operation continued for five hours and involved Police from South Otago with additional staff being called from Invercargill, Balclutha Fire Brigade and St Johns assisted with the operation. The local District Council Roading Authority assisted with setting up and maintaining road blocks. Members of the NZ Defence force rendered the Gelignite and detonators safe and transported it to a local quarry where it was disposed off by detonation at approximately 2pm.

Police would like to thank local business owners and members of the community affected during the operation for their co-operation and assistance.

Police will be completing back ground inquiries in relation to this incident.