Schools
Worcester School 'Safe And Secure' After Small Explosion Nearby
A fuel container explosion behind the Belmont Street Community School over the weekend prompted a police investigation.

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Public Schools officials alerted parents Monday about a small explosion that happened near a local elementary school, saying there was no cause for alarm.
A message sent to parents Monday said the explosion happened in a wooded area near the Belmont Street Community School around 4 a.m. Sunday, according to WPS spokesperson Daniel O'Brien. The explosion happened after homeless residents lit a tin can as a fuel source.
The noise triggered the Worcester police ShotSpotter system, which detects gunfire in some neighborhoods in the city. Police were at the school Monday as a precaution, the message to parents said.
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"This object was initially described as being an explosive device, which has caused some concern. The police have assured us that our school is safe and secure," the WPS message said.
The Belmont Street Community School borders Bell Hill Park, which is mostly woods between Bell Pond and where it abuts Cristoforo Colombo Park.
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