2005-69
NEWS RELEASE:   December 28, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800

KHP Searching for Missing Explosive Device

On December 27, 2005, a company from Hutchinson was transporting an oilfield device from Hutchinson, Kan., to Moline, Kan., and lost a piece of equipment from the truck.

The device is an oilfield perforator, which is used during oil well drilling. It is described as:

• It is a shiny metal object, which would appear similar to aluminum.
• In the shape 5 foot by 1¾-inch diameter size flat strap.
• It is packed with less than one-half pound of explosive materials.
• The perforator has a 5-foot length of white ignition primer cord attached.
• The perforator does not have a detonator source with it.

The perforator includes explosive charges and a primer cord, and although accidental ignition is highly unlikely, it should be considered extremely dangerous. If found, the device should not be tampered with or touched. Anyone who locates this device, should contact their nearest law enforcement agency.

The route of travel initiated from the intersection of Nickerson and Hendricks in Hutchinson. The vehicle traveled south to 4 th Street, west on 4 th Street to K-96, south on K-96 to U-50, east on U-50 to I-135, south on I-135 to K-254, east on K-254 to K-77, south on K-77 to U-400, east on U-400 to K-99, and south on K-99 to Moline.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have been notified of the missing perforator, and are currently searching for it. The incident remains under investigation.