A moldy old grenade with the pin still in place was found at a construction site in lower Manhattan on Monday afternoon, prompting police to evacuate the block and summon the bomb squad.

The New York Post is reporting that a moldy old grenade with the pin still in place was found at a construction site in lower Manhattan on Monday afternoon, prompting police to evacuate the block and summon the bomb squad.

The device, which was declared inert, was found at 221 Bowery around 1 p.m. by construction workers, cops and witnesses said.

Construction foreman Yzaul Abreu, 27, said the grenade was ”full of mold” and “wrapped up in a napkin” in a bucket when he found it.

“It had the pin in it,” Abreau said through an interpreter.

Abreau was fearful because of gas lines in the basement and carried the grenade to the first floor, where the bomb squad retrieved it.

“He was terrified, scared almost tearing,” said Estarlin Torres, 19, a construction assistant.

Abreau said the grenade fit in the palm of his hand.

“I don't know if it was active,” Torres said. “All I know is that the pin was in it.”

The whole block was evacuated for between 30 and 40 minutes.

To read the full story, click here.

Today's top stories

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Going Beyond Diversity: Star Equipment's Rental Advantage

Muddy Water Dredging Christens Marlin Class Dredge

Fabick Cat Hosts Its 34th Season Opener in Eau Claire, Wis.