Authorities issue warning about homemade explosive devices in Worcester
WORCESTER — Two weeks after a homemade device exploded in the middle of Madison Street, authorities are warning the public to be wary of other such devices in the city.
"As authorities continue to investigate, they encourage the public to be mindful of unattended items, particularly coolers" reads a warning from the Worcester County District Attorney's Office. "Do not attempt to tamper with these items. Instead, call the authorities immediately."
June 19, police responded to a report of a small explosion in the area of 185 Madison St. Officers encountered a small fire, with a gas can and fireworks nearby, according to police.
Nearby Interstate 290 was closed briefly during the incident. There were no injuries, according to police.
Two other nondetonated devices, made with similar materials, were found in the city recently. They were in coolers.
The ongoing investigation involves the Worcester Police and Fire departments, state police and the district attorney's office.
In addition to confirmed incidents of homemade devices, police on June 23 responded to a report that ended up being a false alarm.
Around 8:45 a.m. that Sunday morning, a caller reported two men dropping off a box near a bridge near CSX railroad tracks on Crystal Street.
Emergency radio communications reviewed by the Telegram & Gazette indicated police evacuated multiple residences near the bridge, notified the railroad and called in the State Police Bomb Squad.
Worcester police spokesman Joseph Cersosimo confirmed Tuesday that the call was a false alarm that caused "elevated concern due to the other three incidents.
"WPD does not have a bomb squad, so after WPD officers verified the call, we then notified the MSP Bomb Squad," he wrote in an email. "They came on scene and determined it was trash."
More: Police investigating device that exploded in Worcester
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Authorities issue warning about homemade explosive devices in Worcester
