Why are old explosives found in the Paraíba river? Historians explain
An old explosive artifact found in the Paraíba do Sul River in São José dos Campos is believed to be linked to the 1932 Constitutional Revolution in Brazil.
In a recent discovery, an explosive artifact was uncovered in the Paraíba do Sul River in São José dos Campos, prompting an investigation into its historical context. Historians suggest that this finding may be connected to the 1932 Constitutional Revolution, a significant conflict between the state of São Paulo and the Brazilian Federal Government, which sought to end the authoritarian regime of Getúlio Vargas. This war saw various armaments, including explosives, used by both combatants and civilians, hinting at a deeper historical narrative in the region.
The explosive was found by an individual engaged in magnetic fishing, a practice that has previously led to similar discoveries in the area. The unexpected nature of the find led to immediate actions by public safety teams, including the Tactical Actions Group (Gate), which was called to safely detonate the discovered artifact. This incident resulted in the temporary closure of one of Urbanova's main avenues, illustrating the potential dangers of handling unexploded ordnance and the importance of community awareness regarding such artifacts.
Moreover, instances like this are not isolated; there have been records of other similar discoveries, such as in February of the previous year, when another individual fishing in the same river found a mortar shell. This ongoing pattern indicates that relics of Brazil's past conflicts remain buried in its landscapes, serving as reminders of both the historical conflicts within the country and the need for caution among locals who engage in activities like fishing in these historically rich areas.