Hazmat Incident Findings

This morning, members of the Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments, along with New Hampshire State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) responded to 43 Austin Street where a significant quantity of dynamite and blasting caps were discovered in the basement. The previous homeowner had died and the items were located during a search of the residence. Current caretakers of the property properly notified authorities early on that the potential of the dynamite existed. This was crucial to the safe mitigation of the material.

            The materials had been inside the residence for decades, making removal of the deteriorated material hazardous. Out of an abundance of caution, nearby residences were evacuated and roads were closed. The New Hampshire State Police EOD Unit were able to safely remove the material and bring it to a remote location where it was safely destroyed.

            There is no active criminal investigation and based on the age of the material it appears as though the previous homeowner had procured it prior to current licensing and regulatory requirements. It is believed the homeowner used the material for excavation of their property.

            The Portsmouth Police Department thanks residents who were displaced, and all those affected, for their cooperation. Due to cross agency collaboration between Portsmouth Fire Department, Portsmouth Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Portsmouth DPW and Portsmouth Public Housing this incident was handled safely and with minimal disruption to the community.