ATF, FBI, State Police, Bomb Squads At Explosion Scene In Merrimack

MERRIMACK, NH — Merrimack police and fire were called to the intersection of Pearson Road and Grapevine Road Tuesday for a reported explosion.

The initial report was that a "pump house" had blown up. When responders arrived at the scene, the pump house was intact. Units on scene reported a large "crater." Responders worked to get everyone out of the area while shutting down roads and ceasing using radio transmissions in case there were still active bombs in the area.

Shortly after, several ATF agents arrived at the scene as well as the Nashua Police Bomb Squad, and troopers from the state police bomb squad.

Residents in the neighborhood reported one explosion that shook houses. One resident said the explosions knocked pictures off the wall of their home. Several people said they thought a plane had possibly crashed and went outside to find debris from the apparent explosion on lawns and in the street.

Aerial video from several Boston television stations showed a large hole in the ground adjacent to the pump house. A white vehicle could be seen near the crater, and behind the pump house was a very large propane tank that didn't appear damaged.

Several sources have indicated that a person in the area of the explosion possibly took their life by exploding the device, but this remains under investigation.

Merrimack Police Chief Brian Levesque said the area was secure, and there did not appear to be any danger to the public. When asked if anyone was injured, Levesque said he could not comment.

As residents came home from work, they were concerned about the heavy police presence in the area. Reporters went house to house trying to gather comments and home video that recorded what appeared to be a single loud explosion.

Early in the evening, personnel working in protective suits worked to place evidence markers and gather material in the roadway.

On Grapevine Road, several items could be seen on the ground that appeared to come from the explosion. A small cylindrical object, a metal nut, pieces of plastic, and pieces of metal.

Sources indicated New Hampshire State Police bomb squad and other agencies were checking residences in at least two other towns. It appeared these checks may be related to the incident in Merrimack, but no official information has been released.

UPDATE: As of 10:30 p.m. the roads have reopened.

Additional information will be published as information becomes available.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news