Bomb squad detonates explosive material

The Montco Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit used a controlled detonation to destroy explosive material.

LOWER PROVIDENCE » The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Bomb and Hazardous Device Disposal Unit used a controlled detonation to destroy explosive material found in a house in the 2700 block of Apple Valley Lane Monday morning.

Police were called to the scene at 9:23 a.m. after a homeowner reported she was cleaning her home when she came across materials she thought were explosives that may have been left behind by her late husband who worked in the blasting field, according to a press release issued by Lower Providence Township.

After police evaluated the materials they contacted bomb squad personnel who arrived at the scene and determined that materials did in fact contain explosives.

Based on the potential age of the material and out of an abundance of caution it was decided the material would be destroyed by controlled detonation, the release said.

The materials were transported to the Audubon Recreation Fields at Pawlings and Audubon roads where a controlled perimeter was set up by police.

Personnel from the Lower Providence Fire Department, Lower Providence Community Ambulance and Plymouth Community Ambulance stood by while the material was safely destroyed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Bomb and Hazardous Device Disposal Unit at around noon.

While first responders were wrapping up operations pertaining to the Apple Valley incident, Lower Providence police received a report of a suspicious package at the Adult Book Store, 3975 Ridge Pike.

Police arrived to find an unmarked package near the front door of the establishment and brought in an explosive detection K-9 to investigate. The K-9 did not detect explosives but the bomb squad was again deployed for further evaluation.

Unit personnel examined the package and determined it was safe and the contents were disposed of by police.