The residential explosion in Buena Borough, New Jersey on August 3 had to do with a large amount of explosives at the scene, according to authorities.
It was reported in writing that the investigation was in the hands of the Atlantic City Explosives Department, whose experts determined that “the combination of explosive material and the home’s gas pipe” contributed to the explosion that left four dead, including two minors.
It appears the initial blast took place on the first level of the structure just to the rear in the far left corner. The entity in charge could not determine the type of explosives that caused the deadly event due to the intense fire and the collapse of the structure. To reach a conclusion they had to dig and much of what they needed to analyze was lost.
Investigators removed explosive material from a car at the scene, as well as in the structures surrounding the home. According to the Franklin Township Police, all the materials found are consistent with the production of fireworks at a commercial level.
Items recovered from the vehicle:
- 74 lbs of Potassium Nitrate
- 15 lbs of Aluminum (Powder)
- 8.5 lbs of Aluminum (Powder-ALCOA)
- 6lbs of Magnesium
- 3lbs of 50/80 Mesh Molochite
- 3 lbs of Calcium Carbonate
- 3lbs of Strontium Carbonate
- 9.5 lbs of Parlon-Chlorinated Rubber
- 1lb of Silica 325 Mesh
- 5,661 lbs of 17 x 25 homemade aerial shells
- 5.25 lbs. of 7 x 4 homemade aerial shells
- 1,125 lbs of commercial aerial shells
- 50.5 lbs of unidentified dark metals
Items recovered in the external structure:
- 58 lbs of Ammonium Nitrate
- 30 lbs of Aluminum (Powder)
- 26 lbs of Sodium Salicylate
- 25 lbs of Potassium Nitrate
- 45 lbs of Ammonium per chlorate
- 45 lbs of Potassium Benzoate
- 10 lbs of Potassium per chlorate
- 10 lbs of Barium Nitrate
- 2 lbs of Barium Sulfate
- 20lbs of 50/80 Mesh Molochite
- 2.5 lbs of Hexamethalyne Tetramine
- 4 lbs. of Indium Hydroxide
- 1.8 lbs deM Series destructive device (1”x 4”)
- .520 lbs of M Series destructive device (2.75”x 3”)
- 11.2 lbs of Salutes homemade Pyrotechnic
- 10 feet of Quick Match
- 50 feet of hobby fuse
The four corpses, two adults and two minors, were subjected to an autopsy, but at the moment they will not be identified by the authorities. The investigation is still active.
Two minors, ages one and 16, survived the tragedy and continue to receive medical treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Crishtbel Mora reports from Buena Borough, Atlantic County in New Jersey where the last of four dead after a residential explosion was found missing.
