Explosive device ruled out, no threat at Narragansett beach
By News Staff
Reporting By: Rebecca Turco
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) says there is no reason to believe there is a threat to the public’s safety after investigating a reported explosion that sent a woman to the hospital and caused a beach to be evacuated Saturday morning in Narragansett.
DEM officials said Narragansett Police alerted them at 11:20 a.m. about 911 calls from beach goers at the Salty Brine State Beach, saying they witnessed an explosion. The Bomb Squad responded to the scene.
Authorities confirm an explosion device has been ruled out and Kathleen Danise, 60, of Waterbury, Conn., suffered from a minor injury to her shoulder after falling. She has been released from the hospital.
“The investigation included physical searches, K-9 searches and numerous interviews that corroborated initial reports of a loud bang. However, no evidence indicated any type of an explosive device,” said Rhode Island State Police Colonel O’Donnell in a statement.
"It was like a little explosion [from underneath the ground] and it just sent sand flying up," explained witness Mario Luis, who was only a few feet away. He said he saw Danise become airborne from her chair and land face-first into the sand.
Investigators ruled out an explosive device causing this, after multiple agencies, including a bomb squad, combed the area Saturday. “The investigation was thorough and the determination was made and we feel confident to let people back on the beach,” explained Lt. Edward Cabral of RI Environmental Police.
Authorities are still investigating exactly what caused this mysterious blast. In the meantime, dozens of beach-goers took advantage of the beach re-opening Sunday.
“I wasn't going to come at first,” explained Robin McVeigh of Lincoln. “I wanted to sit on the other side [of the beach], but when I got here, everybody was here so I became brave. I still think about it but I'm just a little more aware.”
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