What to Know
- Police got multiple calls about the explosion shortly after 1:30 a.m.
- No one was hurt, but the blast left a debris field that stretched 10 yards
- Authorities plan to interview neighbors and analyze debris as they investigate the cause of the blast
Authorities are investigating a garbage can explosion outside a New Jersey home that woke up neighbors and sent a cloud of smoke billowing into the street, but prosecutors say the blast doesn't appear terror-related.
Officials say the trash can blew up outside the home on Village Drive in Barnegat Township some time after 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Police got multiple calls about the explosion, and when they arrived, they found the remnants of a rubber trash can and a debris field that stretched 10 yards.
No injuries were reported, and there was no damage to surrounding homes or vehicles, prosecutors said. A neighbor told News 12 the sound of the blast was enough to wake her and her 7-year-old son up. A photo from the scene showed the trash can had been completely obliterated by the explosion.
Video from the scene showed police scouring the blast site for evidence. Officials say the explosive material is unknown at this time.
The Ocean County prosecutor's office, the lead agency on the case, says investigators believe something like a carbonated gas canister reacted in the trash can or criminal mischief is it play. No one has been charged.
Multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation.
The Barnegat Township School District posted a Facebook message to parents saying it was aware of the explosion. It said it had been in touch with police, and confirmed that it was safe for students to go to and from school as normal. The district said additional police presence may be seen at area schools as a precaution, but emphasized there was no danger to students.
