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Radioactive capsule moved, investigation starts

STORY: The tiny device was found in the state's remote northwest on Wednesday (February 1). The week-long search retracing the truck's journey involved 100 people from at least five government agencies.

Officials said the Caesium-137 capsule was found on Wednesday when radiation equipment mounted to a car speeding along the Great Northern Highway detected gamma rays.

It lay about 2 yards from the side of the road in an area far from any community. No one is thought to have been exposed to radiation and the site was not permanently contaminated, officials said.

Verified by members of Australia's Defence Force and sealed in a lead container, the capsule will be securely stored at an unidentified facility.