Man Hospitalized After Inserting Live WWI Shell in Rectum
A 24-year-old man presented to Rangueil Hospital in Toulouse, France, on January 1, 2026, with an eight-inch-long World War I artillery shell in his rectum, leading to the hospital's evacuation and bomb disposal intervention. As of April 16, 2026, French prosecutors confirmed no charges will be filed against the man, as the munition was determined to be inert and decommissioned. The man underwent surgery and remained hospitalized for recovery after bomb disposal officials safely removed the shell. This incident drew comparisons to similar cases in France and the UK involving individuals presenting with artillery shells in their rectums.
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April 2026 — 1 developments
French prosecutors drop charges against man with WWI shell in rectum
French prosecutors confirmed that no charges will be filed against a 24-year-old man who presented at a Toulouse hospital with a World War I artillery shell in his rectum. The munition was determined to be inert and decommissioned, posing no criminal offense. The incident on January 31st led to the evacuation of Rangueil Hospital.
February 2026 — 5 developments
French media reports on rarity and danger of incident
French media provided more in-depth reporting on the incident, highlighting the rarity and danger of such a situation.
Toulouse medical staff accustomed to treating injuries from risky personal activities
Further details emerged, including speculation that the incident may have been linked to a party stunt and that medical staff in Toulouse are accustomed to treating injuries from risky personal activities.
Incidents of individuals presenting with artillery shells in rectums draw comparisons
The incident drew comparisons to similar cases in France (2022) and the UK (2021) involving individuals presenting with artillery shells in their rectums.
Man faces potential legal action in France for possessing 'category A munitions'
It was reported that the man might face legal action for possessing "category A munitions" in France, though later reports suggested the case might not proceed due to the shell being demilitarized.
International Media Reports Hospital's Response to Incident
Reports of the incident began to surface in international media, detailing the unusual circumstances and the hospital's response.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Bomb disposal officials safely removed shell; man hospitalized after surgery
Bomb disposal officials determined the shell did not pose an immediate danger and safely removed it. The man underwent surgery and remained hospitalized for recovery.
Hospital evacuated, bomb disposal experts called after live shell found
Due to the live nature of the shell, the hospital was evacuated, and bomb disposal experts were called to the scene. A security perimeter was established.
Man hospitalized in Toulouse with WWI artillery shell lodged in rectum
A 24-year-old man presented to Rangueil Hospital in Toulouse with severe rectal pain, admitting to inserting an object. Medical staff discovered it was an eight-inch-long, live WWI artillery shell.