The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating an incident the shook parts of New Castle County this morning.
Just before 12:00 Sunday morning, a pilot with Delaware State Police (DSP) aviation alerted Fireboard (NCC County 911) that a large explosion shook the helicopter’s hangar. The pilot also reported seeing smoke southwest of the hangar.
As the crew was readying the helicopter to get airborne so they could investigate the smoke, Fireboard began receiving multiple reports of a loud “explosion”. Rescue crews from the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown hit the streets looking for the scene of the reported “explosion”, quickly finding a location that they believed the noise originated from in the 4800 block of Summit Bridge Road in Middletown
At the same time that this was occurring many of you were messaging us trying to find out what the noise was. Shortly after that, we told you that the first arriving crews reported that a car had been blown up at the address and asked for police. First responders also advised Firebosard that DNREC should be notified as well. Shortly after that report police have arrived at the scene and crews then responded back to their stations.
At around 4:00 this afternoon DSP reported that the Delaware State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit was currently assisting the Office of the State Fire Marshal with destroying some materials at the scene. They advised the public that there may be some loud noises coming from the area within the next half hour. They added that the Fire Marshal’s office was leading the investigation.
Fire Marshals cleared the scene within the last few minutes. We should get a preliminary report from them later today or early in the morning.