WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - Officials on Tuesday urged members of the public to be on the lookout after authorities found a series of homemade explosive devices in Worcester.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s office in a statement said investigators responded to one location at 185 Madison Street on June 19 after a small explosion occurred in the area. Once on scene, the DA’s office said, authorities found fireworks, a butane gas can, and “projectile materials.”
In addition to the device that exploded, the DA’s office said investigators found two non-detonated devices built from similar materials in Worcester last month. Officials said both devices were placed in coolers but did not say where they were found within the city.
“Massachusetts residents have caused themselves grievous injuries while attempting to create homemade explosive devices,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine as part of the DA’s office’s announcement. “These devices are illegal and potentially fatal.”
“It is important to note that there are no current threats, and these devices were unsophisticated in nature,” the Worcester Police Department said in a separate statement. “We are asking citizens to remain vigilant in light of these incidents as they enjoy this holiday week.”
While officials continue to investigate, the Worcester DA’s office said community members should alert authorities if they see unattended coolers or other suspicious items.
Anyone who sees such an item should not tamper with it and should instead call 911 immediately, the DA’s office said.
Speaking with 7NEWS, Samantha Carrabis said she lives near the site of the June 19 explosion on Madison Street. She said she frequently hears the sound of people setting off fireworks.
“There are kids all over the place with fireworks at this point,” she said. “It’s becoming a disruption.”
“I just think they’re a nuisance at this point, because they’re keeping people awake,” Carrabis said.
One other person in the area shared his perspective.
“If they’re going to do it, why do it in a place where it could cause more explosions?” he said. “Especially with fireworks, it can get out of hand.”
“I’m definitely going to keep an eye out now and definitely going to be a little bit more on the watch for it now,” Carrabis said after Tuesday’s warning from the DA’s office.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
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