Residents reported hearing a series of explosions erupt about 6:15 a.m. and Monroe police discovered nine “Drano bombs” had detonated in front yards in the 400 block of Hickory Street. A 10th device that had not exploded in a driveway on Manitee Street prompted a response from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit.
Specialist Mike Grimes, commander of the bomb unit, said “Drano bombs,” or overpressure devices, are acid-based and commonly made with liquids such as Drano, a common household chemical used to clean clogged pipes. The specific chemical composition of the devices found Tuesday won’t be known until further analysis is completed.
“It can be strong enough to take an officer’s fingers off if it’s in the hand,” Grimes said. “It’s an acid, so you’d have chemical burns.”
Grimes said if someone finds a chemical bomb, they should back away and call police. He said movement can spur a chemical reaction with the ability for dangerous explosions of a 15-foot radius.
No injuries or property damage were reported.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lauren.pack@coxinc.com.
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