EASTHAMPTON — While no one was hurt in several explosions on Sunday, devices found along Lower Mill Pond “could seriously hurt or kill someone,” Police Chief Robert Alberti said Wednesday.
The devices, of which there were “several” but “less than a dozen,” packed about the equivalent of half a stick of dynamite each, he said. One of the devices, he said, was found undetonated.
“We’re not really giving the specifics because obviously it’s still under investigation,” he said, adding he’s “no bomb expert.”
Police officers discovered the explosives after reports of loud explosions coming from the area of Ferry and Pleasant streets at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Alberti said he has six detectives investigating, with help from the FBI, the state fire marshal’s office and ATF Springfield.
“We don’t believe at this time there’s any danger to the public,” said Kristen Setera, a spokeswoman for the FBI.
Alberti said officers are investigating a range of possibilities, acknowledging that because the explosions occurred during the Super Bowl they could have been set with celebratory intentions.
“The team that’s working on this — they’re working hard on it, leaving no stone unturned, as they say,” he said. “Our patrols are keeping a really close eye on that area.”
If anyone has any information, Alberti asks members of the public contact the Easthampton Police Department at 413-527-1212.
Those who heard the explosions said the incident was strange, and it wasn’t the first time they’d heard unexplained explosions around the pond.
“It was a bright light and wicked loud,” said Mark Glidden, who had been watching the game inside New City Brewery. He said the explosions, of which he heard three, began during halftime.
Sam Dibble, owner of New City, said the explosions seemed to be timed with “key moments of the game” and they rattled the whole mill building.
“That was certainly weird,” he said. “This isn’t really the first time I’ve heard big booms like this, and I live on the other side of the pond.”