BAGGAGE SCREENERS AT Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport discovered two World War I artillery shells in checked luggage that arrived on a flight from London.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the bags belonged to a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old who were returning from a school field trip to Europe.

TSA spokesman Jim McKinney says a bomb disposal crew determined the shells were inert and no one was ever in danger.

The teens told law enforcement they obtained the shells at a French World War I artillery range. It was not clear how.

TSA explosives experts believe they are French 77mm shells.

They were seized Monday evening while the teens were transferring to a flight to Seattle.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

The teens were questioned then allowed to travel onward and they weren’t charged.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Read: A bomb from World War II exploded in Thailand today