Hospital Evacuated After 'Man Found to Have WW1 Artillery Shell in Rectum'

On February 2, 2026, a 24-year-old Frenchman arrived at Rangueil Hospital in Toulouse, suffering from severe pain. Medical staff quickly determined that the cause of his discomfort was an eight-inch long World War I artillery shell lodged in his rectum. Immediate action was taken, leading to the evacuation of the hospital as a precaution, and bomb disposal experts were called in to assess the situation.

Upon discovery, medical personnel realized the shell was a live munition from 1918, raising the alarm due to the potential danger it posed. Emergency protocols dictated that all staff and patients be evacuated while the bomb squad established a safety perimeter around the facility.

The source of the pain was unexpected, and while the specific circumstances of how the shell ended up in the man's rectum are still under investigation, reports suggest it may have been part of a reckless stunt. Medical professionals reported being "accustomed to treating victims injured during sexual games," but instances involving munitions remain extraordinarily rare.

After thorough examination and ensuring the shell posed no immediate threat, bomb disposal experts successfully removed the object. Following the ordeal, the patient was expected to make a full recovery but remains under scrutiny, with authorities considering potential legal actions related to the handling of what is categorized as Category A munitions.

This incident is not unique; it follows a previous case in 2022 when an 88-year-old man also arrived at a hospital with a similar World War I shell lodged in his rectum, leading to surgery and evacuation protocols. The recurrence of such incidents highlights the peculiar hazards associated with unexploded ordnance from historical conflicts lying dormant in modern environments.