Trash Can Explosion In Barnegat Last Fall Was Not A Bomb, Prosecutor's Office Says

Barnegat, NJ - It wasn't a bomb that caused a rubber trash can to explode on a residential street in Barnegat early one morning last October.

The cause of the explosion could have occurred from a buildup of decomposing organic material like mulch, sticks and other debris that sent non-manmade materials spewing 10 yards from the can, according to the report.

Post blast agent Shoshanna Hayesaha of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the cause could not rule out a heat buildup inside the can from decomposing organics, like mulch, sticks and other debris.

The can was located at curbside between 81 Village Drive and 82 Windward Drive. Police received numerous calls from residents in the area around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 13, said Al Della Fave, spokesperson for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Image: Patch file photo