Two devices detonated in Landenberg neighborhood this past week
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
New Garden Township Police are urging residents to be vigilant after two incidents of so-called “Drano” bombs being detonated this week.
A loud bang followed by a sickening sulfur smell on Sunday night awakened residents in a Landenberg home who fortunately escaped injury, New Garden Township Police said Thursday.
“They said it sounded like a large armoire crashing to the floor,” New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald R. Simpson said.
Simpson said investigators found debris and fluid from an explosive device in between the storm door and the front door of the residence – the first of two bombs found this past week in the 100 block of Skyline Drive.
Debris from a second explosion was discovered inside the mailbox of a neighbor about 6 p.m. Tuesday, Simpson said. The neighbor, who had checked the mail the day before, could not provide an exact time frame for the blast, Simpson said.
He said the first victim observed a late-model, four-door sedan with two occupants exiting the driveway towards Laurel Heights Road after the explosion occurred at 11:30 p.m.
While not yet conclusive, Simpson said the debris and evidence collected at both scenes lead police to believe that the explosive devices were what’s referred to as “soda and/or Drano” bombs, devices which have the potential to cause substantial damage to property and serious injury to people. He said that is why the criminal penalties for using them are severe.
“People may think of this as a prank, but it’s absolutely not,” Simpson said. “
“These can cause substantial injuries.” He said it’s extremely fortunate that none of the victims were close to the devices at the time of the blasts, which can spray dangerous chemicals and debris.
Simpson said the investigation is continuing and anyone who sees anything suspicious or has information should call contact the New Garden Township Police Department at 610-268-3171 or its anonymous crime tip line at 610-268-2907, ext. 222. He requested that residents remain vigilant and avoid approaching one of these devices if they see one.
