Explosive Scare: Rick Lagina Injured in WWII-Era Mine Detonation During Excavation

The pursuit of history often comes with a price, but for The Curse of Oak Island star Rick Lagina, that price nearly became a tragedy this week. While conducting a preliminary excavation on a historical site known for its heavy involvement in past conflicts, Lagina was injured when an unexploded piece of ordnance—a remnant of a forgotten war—detonated unexpectedly.

A Field of Hidden Dangers

The incident occurred early Wednesday morning. Lagina and a small team of researchers were exploring a remote region characterized by its dense forests and a violent history of trench warfare. While the site promised a wealth of archaeological data, it also harbored a lethal legacy: unexploded ordnance (UXO).

As the team moved to clear a section of overgrown brush to make way for ground-penetrating radar equipment, a hidden anti-personnel mine, buried just inches beneath the soil for decades, was disturbed.

The Moment of Impact

Witnesses at the scene described a sudden, sharp “crack” followed by a plume of dust and debris. Fortunately, the device was a smaller-caliber mine, likely degraded by years of exposure to the elements. Its explosive yield had diminished significantly over the last century, preventing what could have been a fatal disaster.

However, Rick Lagina was positioned within the immediate “blast radius.” While the explosion did not send shrapnel directly toward him, the sheer concussive force of the blast was enough to knock the veteran treasure hunter off his feet.

“It wasn’t a massive fireball,” said one crew member who requested anonymity. “But the pressure wave was real. One second Rick was standing there, and the next, he was on the ground. It happened in the blink of an eye.”

The Rescue Operation

The team’s emergency protocols were triggered immediately. Local paramedics and a specialized military bomb disposal unit arrived at the scene within thirty minutes. Upon arrival, rescuers found a scene of tense calm.

Lagina was found lying on the ground, stabilized by his teammates. Despite the shock of the event, witnesses reported that he remained fully conscious and alert. He was able to communicate with the medical staff, describing a ringing in his ears and significant dizziness—classic symptoms of a mild concussion.

Medical Outlook and Recovery

After a brief assessment on-site, Lagina was transported to a nearby medical facility for observation. Doctors confirmed that he suffered:

• A mild concussion due to the blast’s shockwave.

• Minor abrasions from the fall.

• Temporary tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Medical professionals noted that he was incredibly lucky. Had the mine been a larger anti-tank variety or had it retained its full original potency, the outcome would have been catastrophic.

The Risks of Historical Recovery

This incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers inherent in exploring former war zones. Thousands of “dud” bombs and mines remain active across Europe and various islands, waiting for a misplaced footstep or a shovel’s edge to wake them.

For Rick Lagina, a man who has spent the better part of two decades chasing the mysteries of the past, this was a brush with the literal ghosts of history. Sources close to the family say that while Rick is “shaken up,” his spirit remains unbroken. He is expected to make a full recovery after a period of rest and neurological monitoring.

The excavation site has been temporarily closed as authorities conduct a thorough sweep for any remaining explosives, ensuring that the quest for history doesn’t claim any more victims.