On Nov. 10, the Medway Fire Department and Medway Police Department responded to a local residence to investigate a report of a potential hazard. Upon arrival, crews discovered several commercial-grade explosive materials believed to be used in railroad operations.

The homeowner, who retired from the railroad and is a collector of historic railroad items, had retained the materials as part of that collection. Out of an abundance of caution, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad were notified and responded to the scene. The Bomb Squad safely removed the materials, transported them to a secure location, and conducted a controlled detonation.

Thanks to the quick and coordinated response of all agencies involved – including Medway Fire, Medway police, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the State Police Bomb Squad – the situation was handled safely and efficiently.

The hazard has been fully mitigated, and there is no threat to the public.

Residents were forewarned via the town website (www.medwayma.gov): “Residents may hear a loud noise within the next 30 minutes. The Medway Fire Department, with assistance from the State Police Explosives Team, is safely deactivating old railroad devices that were discovered by a resident in their home. The controlled detonation is taking place at the Broad Street Recycling Center.” 

Source: Medway Fire Department