Bomb Training That Went Awry In Montco Still Under Investigation

SKIPPACK TOWNSHIP, PA — Federal investigators are continuing to look into what might have caused a live explosive device to prematurely detonate on the grounds of a state prison last week during a field training exercise for state and federal law enforcement members.

Five individuals were injured during the incident, which took place Sept. 15 on the grounds of the SCI Phoenix state prison facility in Skippack, Montgomery County.

Those injured were three deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, one state trooper and one federal agent with the FBI Philadelphia office.

Patch reached out to an FBI spokesperson, since that agency is taking the lead press inquiries relating to the matter.

Asked why the training would have involved the use of a live bomb as opposed to a replicate or decoy device, the spokesperson said she couldn't get into too many details since the investigation into what may have caused the incident is ongoing.

But she did say that with any type of training, "the goal is to replicate the actual environment students are expected to perform in commensurate with their job duties."

As of Friday afternoon, the state trooper, who has not been named, was still in the hospital undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Lt. Adam Reed, of the Pennsylvania State Police Communications Office, said that the trooper sustained injuries to his upper body due to flying shrapnel that occurred during the blast.

One of the three Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputies — Cpl. Ryan Volk, a 14-year veteran of the department — also continues to undergo treatment at an area hospital, but he was last listed in stable condition, according to Oscar Gamble, communications and public relations coordinator for the MCSO.

The other two sheriff's corporals — Tim Metz, a 13-year veteran of the department, and Andrew Noto, a 12-year veteran — have since been treated and released from Paoli Hospital, Gamble said.

Law enforcement officials have said that none of the injuries suffered during the blast appear to be life-threatening.

"Right now, all of our deputies are doing well," Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny told the Mercury newspaper. "They're receiving behavioral and psychological counseling for this incident, which has been traumatic for all."

Patch will continue to bring you the latest information on this incident as it becomes available.