Tourist Accidentally Blows Up Section of St. Louis Arch Using Bazooka

In a bizarre turn of events that left the city of St. Louis scratching its head, a 16-year-old tourist accidentally caused a minor explosion at the iconic St. Louis Arch when he mistook an M72 LAW anti-tank rocket launcher for a digital camera. Miraculously, there were zero casualties, and authorities decided not to press charges against the bewildered teen.

The teenager, who remains unnamed, was visiting the Gateway Arch with his family when the incident occurred. According to witnesses, he was seen snapping pictures of the arch with his family, seemingly having a great time. Little did anyone know that he was actually documenting his impending adventure with a weapon of mass destruction.

The mix-up occurred when the teenager wandered into a nearby antique shop that had an extensive collection of military memorabilia. Among the dusty relics was the M72 LAW rocket launcher, which was displayed alongside other vintage items. The teen, who was apparently not a history buff, mistook the rocket launcher for a digital camera, complete with a zoom lens and trigger button.

With all the confidence of a seasoned photographer, he approached the counter and asked the shopkeeper how much the “camera” was. The shopkeeper, not realizing the confusion, gave him a price of $20, thinking he was selling an obsolete camera.

Armed with his newfound “camera,” the teenager returned to the Arch, blissfully unaware of the impending chaos. It wasn’t until he tried to take a picture by pressing the “shutter button” that things went haywire. Instead of a photo, a rocket blasted out of the launcher, sending him stumbling backward in shock.

The rocket struck one of the Arch’s massive stainless steel legs, causing a small explosion and a cloud of smoke. Thankfully, the Arch had been temporarily closed for maintenance that day, sparing any unsuspecting tourists from harm. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene and discovered the bewildered teenager, who was still trying to figure out how to review his “photos.”

The St. Louis police, recognizing that the incident was a result of a bizarre misunderstanding, decided not to charge the teen with any wrongdoing. They even provided him with a thorough lesson on the differences between cameras and rocket launchers.

The M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) stands as a pinnacle of military ordnance engineering, characterized not only by its historical significance but also by its precise specifications. Standing at a height of approximately 39 inches (~ 1 meter) when fully extended for deployment, this rocket launcher achieves a harmonious balance between compactness and functionality. Its collapsed length measures approximately 26 inches, making it easily transportable by infantry personnel.

The core of the M72 LAW’s capabilities lies in its rocket projectile, housed within the launch tube. This rocket exhibits a maximum diameter of 2.75 inches, emphasizing its potent anti-tank role. The projectile’s weight, which varies depending on the specific variant, typically falls within the range of 4.5 to 5.5 pounds (approximately 2 to 2.5 kilograms). This payload, while compact in size, packs a formidable punch with its armor-penetrating warhead.

The rocket’s primary function is to penetrate the armor of enemy armored vehicles, with an effective penetration capability of up to 11 inches (approximately 28 centimeters) of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA). This penetration depth underscores the M72 LAW’s efficacy in dealing with armored threats on the battlefield.

Moreover, the rocket’s propulsion system harnesses a solid-fuel motor, propelling it to a maximum velocity of approximately 400 meters per second (about 1,312 feet per second). This remarkable speed ensures rapid target engagement, enhancing the weapon’s operational utility. These technical details, coupled with its historical significance and battlefield effectiveness, underscore its enduring role as a formidable anti-tank weapon, distinct from any digital camera one might encounter.

In the end, the incident at the St. Louis Arch serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of knowing your equipment. While the city of St. Louis can now add a unique footnote to its history, it’s safe to say that this tourist’s vacation didn’t quite turn out as expected. And as for the M72 LAW, it’s back to being just another piece of military memorabilia in that antique shop, hopefully with a clearer label next time.