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PRICE — Authorities say an explosion Tuesday that destroyed an abandoned Emery Telecom building was caused by something much bigger than fireworks.
The explosion happened about 4 p.m. at a 16-by-16-foot building on top of Wood Hill, Price Police Capt. Bill Barnes said. It blew out two of the building's cinderblock walls and severely damaged a third.
"No collateral damage to neighboring homes or buildings from the concussion has been reported," Barnes said, noting that no injuries have been reported either.
There was no graffiti or other "red flags" to indicate that whoever set off the explosion was specifically targeting the telecommunications company, Price Police Capt. Bill Barnes said.
Price Fire Chief Paul Bedont and police detectives conducted a preliminary investigation. The Utah Bomb Squad Task Force, made up of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and Utah County law enforcement officers, was also called in to conduct a full investigation and collect forensic evidence.
After the scene was processed, the concrete slab roof of the building was pulled down to prevent it from collapsing. Emery Telecom will demolish what remains of the structure and complete reclamation efforts, Barnes said.
There was no graffiti or other "red flags" to indicate that whoever set off the explosion was specifically targeting the telecommunications company, Barnes said. He also said, based on the damage done, that it doesn't appear the explosion was the result of someone playing with fireworks.
"This was much more significant than fireworks," the captain said.
Detectives are asking the public to watch for anyone who has an unexplained concussion or displays sudden hearing loss, Barnes said. Anyone with information about the explosion should call the Price Police Department at 435-636-3190 or Price Public Safety Dispatch at 435-637-0890.
