Bomb Explodes Near Former Independence School Site

Authorities are investigating an explosion that rocked an Independence neighborhood Wednesday afternoon (May 25, 2016).

According to police, a small bomb went off near the former site of East Elementary School in the 200 block of 9th Ave. S.E. around 4:30 p.m. The Buchanan County County Dispatch Center was flooded with 911 calls following the blast.

Independence police and fire units responded to the scene, along with officials from the Buchanan County Emergency Management Agency. Two agents from the Iowa State Fire Marshall's office and a bomb detection K-9 were also called in to investigate.

Police said the explosive appeared to be made from a garbage bag and black electrical tape. State agents and the K-9 examined the remaining part of the incendiary device and determined it was safe to handle.

No arrests have been made in the case. No injuries were reported.