Blast site locked down
Bomb squad blows up pair of packages
TWO “suspicious” packages have been blown up by police in a controlled detonation during an emergency which left a man injured at Gordonvale.
A Templeton St residence remains the subject of a police investigation after a 43-yearold was left with severe hand injuries following an explosion in a shed on Sunday afternoon.
Police confirmed yesterday the man was driven by a friend to the town’s ambulance station. He was then taken to Cairns Hospital with significant injuries to his hand.
Far North police inspector Peter Mansfield said two packages were found by officers from the Explosive Ordinance Response Team who had been investigating the incident.
Insp Mansfield said the devices were buried before being subject to a controlled detonation.
Police are yet to detail what the explosive material may be, but it is understood officers may be investigating whether it is the same substance found inside a homemade device which maimed a teenage boy at Ipswich four years ago.
Insp Mansfield said police were considering laying charges over the incident.
He said police were yet to speak with the man who remains in hospital in a stable condition.
The associate who drove the man to the ambulance station, along with several other witnesses, have been spoken to.
It is understood there were several people at the property when the blast occurred about 1.30pm on Sunday.
Neighbours were yesterday forced out of their home during the day due to the volatility of the materials.