Explosive Device Found On Nebraska Elementary School Playground: Police

A small explosive device was found Tuesday on the playground of a Lincoln, Nebraska elementary school and removed before it could cause any harm, police confirmed.

A small, black canister with a wick for lighting was found on the playground at about 1:30 p.m. local time, Lincoln Police spokeswoman Kathleen Flood said in an emailed statement to Patch.

The device was an IED — Improvised Explosive Device — that an investigator described to 10/11 News as "definitely not a firework."

It was made from a CO2 canister and needed to be lit in order to explode, according to KLIN.

An email from Lincoln Public Schools to parents, posted by 10/11 News, said that a bomb squad was called in to the school when the item was reported. They did a "sweep of the entire property" and did not find anything else.

"Officials determined that the item was a small explosive device, but had to be ignited to cause any damage," the email said. "The bomb squad removed the device and are doing a complete investigation at this time."

It was not immediately known who placed it there or why.

Patch has reached out to Lincoln police for more information, and we'll let you know when we hear back.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates as they become available.