Public Safety Blotter Articles

Bomb Squad Called to Dispose of Possible Explosive Material in Medical Kit

Date: May 22, 2020
Incident Type: Unusual
Location: Zone 4
Summary:

Pittsburgh Police from Zone 4 responded to a call for possible explosive material discovered in the 5600 block of Cox Avenue just before 8 p.m. on May 21.

Responding officers spoke with a resident who had purchased an old military medical kit with gauze that contained picric acid, which was once used as an antiseptic. Picric acid can become unstable when it's bumped or heated up quickly.

The homeowner took it outside and the Bomb Squad was called in. They determined the material shouldn't be transported and opted to dispose of it on site. Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and EMS were standing by. 

After establishing a perimeter and ensuring no one was on their front porches or yards, the technicians dug a hole in the ground and safely disposed of the material.

There were no injuries or resulting property damage and the hole was later filled in.


Reporting PIO:
Cara Cruz

2020-05-22
PIO@pittsburghpa.gov