LOVING COUNTY, Texas — A camera with radioactive material inside is currently missing near the Permian Basin in West Texas.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the radiographic camera was last seen on State Hwy 302, roughly 10 miles east from the city of Mentone, which is located in Loving County.
An oil and gas company called National Inspection Services owns the camera, and it’s joining law enforcement and DSHS in the continued search.
Anyone who locates the camera should refrain from opening it, as radioactive materials are inside. Instead, call 512-458-7460 to contact DSHS’ 24/7 line, or 432-287-4125 to speak with Reeves County Emergency Management.
A reward is also being offered, though DSHS did not specify the exact amount.
What is a radiographic camera?
Radiographic cameras are often used for work related to oil and gas, and they typically don’t have a high exposure risk. These devices are protected with several layers, essentially locking the radioactive material inside.
While the outside of the camera does not pose any harm, opening the camera could cause exposure to the inside materials.
Back in 2023, a similar device was stolen from the back of a truck near Houston. The SPEC-150 radiographic camera was returned roughly two months later, per DSHS.